September 17, 2012

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING TO STRENGTHEN ECONOMIC AND AGRICULTURAL TIES WITH ANHUI, CHINA: PREMIER

SHANGHAI—Premier Greg Selinger today signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Manitoba and Anhui Province in China to expand economic opportunities, trade and investment over the next five years, with particular focus on agriculture and bio-products.
“China is one of Manitoba’s most important trade partners and our past relationship with Anhui Province has become increasingly valuable for our producers and processors,” Selinger said.  “Our exports to China and Hong Kong in 2011 were $1.13 billion and almost one-third of that was agricultural products.”
The MOU, also signed by Anhui Gov. Li Bin, identifies a number of development priorities that will strengthen ties between the two provinces.  It is hoped that these will advance opportunities for developing and testing advanced technology in food and bio-products processing, broader trade in agricultural products, sharing knowledge and scientific research and improving access to Chinese markets, the premier said.
“Our agreement reinforces our intentions to focus on these priority areas and to encourage regular business-to-business contacts that promote trade and investment,” Selinger said.  “China’s direct investment in Canada has grown to $14 billion in 2010 from $6 billion in 2008 and we hope to keep encouraging that investment trend, especially in Manitoba.”
Manitoba and Anhui have had a cultural, business and trade relationship since 2000 when a trade mission from Anhui came to Manitoba.  The two provinces signed an MOU in 2001 and renewed it in 2005.  Signing today’s agreement will build on shared friendship and economic interests, Selinger said.
Manitoba’s overall exports to China include grains, animal feed, meat, machinery and freshwater fish.  Future opportunities with other parts of China may include potato processing, soybean and canola crushing and processing natural fibres like flax and hemp.

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