The Canadian Pork Council (CPC) says it witnessed firsthand the incredible opportunities that are available in China.

New Brunswick Producer Hans Kristensen represented the council during the recent week-long trade mission to China that was led by Federal Ag Minister Lawrence MacAulay.

“I am very thankful for having been able to join Minister MacAulay on the mission to China,” said Kristensen. “I was very proud to represent Canada and its pork producers during this trip and note the tremendous export opportunities present in China and the entire Asian region.”

The CPC says that with a population of 1.4 billion people, China is a vast market opportunity for Canadian pork products, however Canada is at risk of falling behind producers in Australia, the European Union and the United States.

The organization notes the Government of Canada must focus on securing a free trade agreement with China and move quickly to finalize the comprehensive and progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership.