Canadian Meat Council and Canadian Pork Council Joint Statement on Canada-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
The Canadian Meat Council (CMC) welcomes the full conclusion of negotiations for the Canada-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). This landmark agreement represents a significant opportunity for Canada’s meat industry to expand its presence in one of the largest and fastest-growing markets in the Indo-Pacific region.
CMC has long supported securing meaningful market access in the Indo-Pacific, including Indonesia and Southeast Asian Nations FTAs. Since Canada’s exclusion from China, CMC’s CEO has proactively advocated for new beef market access, leading engagements with Indonesian government officials and key stakeholders in Jakarta since 2022.
This agreement will enhance our industry’s competitiveness and open new avenues for growth. Indonesia, with its population of 279 million and GDP of nearly $1.9 trillion, offers significant potential for Canadian meat exporters.
We commend the inclusion of a robust Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Chapter, which is enforced by the Agreement’s dispute settlement mechanism and the creation of an ongoing SPS Dialogue to allow transparency and prevent SPS requirement from becoming non-tariff barriers.
Moving forward, it will be essential to ensure that market access requirements, including halal certifications, and industry food safety audits are addressed promptly to facilitate commercially viable access. The Canadian Pork Council remains eager to find ways to serve this market as well with high-quality Canadian pork, all while respecting cultural traditions.
The CEPA includes provisions that align with our industry’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth. By fostering more trade and better trade, the CEPA will contribute to building resilient supply chains, which are crucial in today’s volatile global market.
The CMC looks forward to the swift implementation of the CEPA and remains committed to supporting the government of Canada in ensuring this agreement delivers tangible benefits for businesses and communities. We look forward to working alongside like-minded partners to drive the success of this ambitious partnership.
About the Canadian Meat Council
The CMC is the voice of Canada’s meat industry, representing the entire value chain of red meat production and distribution in Canada, including all beef and pork sold internationally. The red meat industry, represented by the CMC, is the largest component of Canada’s food processing sector, with annual sales surpassing $35 billion and over 194,000 jobs supported nationwide.
As an export-oriented industry and the largest manufacturing sector, we play a crucial role in Canada’s economy and trade.
The Canadian red meat industry:
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Contributes over $15 billion to the national economy.
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Supports over 194,000 jobs across the country.
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Exports to over 90 countries, showcasing Canadian quality on the global stage.
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Builds relations globally with offices in Japan and in China.
About the Canadian Pork Council
The CPC is the national voice for pork producers in Canada. A federation of nine provincial pork organizations representing 7,000 farms, the organization plays a leadership role in achieving and maintaining a dynamic and prosperous Canadian pork sector. The CPC serves its membership through national and international advocacy efforts as well as through the development and implementation of initiatives, such as food safety, animal care and health, traceability, environment and sustainability, international trade and nutrition.
Media Contact
Jennica Klassen
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