April 17, 2014
Canada and Korea conclude free trade agreement
Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and well-known Korean chef Woo Hyun Cho celebrated the conclusion of the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement (CKFTA) negotiations by hosting a cooking demonstration in Seoul, Korea, for 100 guests, including local importers.
A cooking demonstration has been held in Seoul for 100 guests, showcasing Canadian foods including beef, pork, lobster, rapeseed oil and wheat.
The chef''s menu showcased dishes featuring high-quality Canadian ingredients, including Canadian beef, pork, lobster, rapeseed oil, wheat, blueberries, maple syrup and honey.
The event was part of Minister Ritz''s trade mission to Korea where he is bolstering agricultural trade ties following the conclusion of free trade negotiations. The mission also includes meetings with key Korean import interests, as well as an Export Café that will provide the Canadian delegation with an opportunity to showcase their products to potential buyers.
Under CKFTA, Canada will receive immediate duty-free access to key Canadian export interests including the wheat and maple syrup showcased during chef Woo Hyun Cho''s cooking demonstration.
The Agreement will also benefit Canadian beef and pork showcased in the menu, providing preferential treatment and allowing Canada to compete with other beef and pork exporting countries in Korea.
Additionally, the CKFTA will eliminate many of the Korean tariffs on Canada''s agriculture products, making these world-class products more competitive and creating the conditions for increased sales into Korea.
Ritz commented: "Korea is an important market for Canada''s high-quality agricultural products, and expanded access to the market will help make our producers and processors more competitive and our entire economy stronger. Today''s event will boost demand among Korean consumers for Canadian foods by giving our guests a unique opportunity to taste Canada''s diverse and top-quality products."