The Manitoba government will join the Team Canada trade mission in Tokyo, Japan from June 23 to 26 to strengthen commercial relationships, promote Manitoba’s agricultural sector and support continued growth in trade and investment with one of Manitoba’s most important export markets and a valued partner in the Indo-Pacific region.
“Japan is a valued partner and a premier export market for Manitoba agriculture,” said Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn. “Manitoba is recognized around the world for producing safe, sustainable and high-quality agricultural products. This mission will help strengthen relationships that support jobs, investment and economic growth while creating new opportunities for Manitoba farmers, processors, innovators and exporters.”
Representatives from Manitoba Pork will participate in the mission, working alongside the province to showcase Manitoba’s reputation as a trusted supplier of safe, sustainable and high-quality pork products, the minister added.
“Manitoba Pork appreciates the opportunity to participate in the Team Canada trade mission to Asia,” said Scott Peters, board member, Manitoba Pork. “The efforts of Minister Kostyshyn demonstrate the Manitoba government’s commitment to trade diversification and expansion, which will add jobs in every part of the province and foster growth and resiliency in Manitoba’s economy.”
The minister’s participation follows a series of trade and market development engagements in Thailand, Vietnam, China and Hong Kong aimed at expanding opportunities for Manitoba producers, processors and agri-food exporters. While in Vietnam, the minister was joined by the World Trade Centre Winnipeg.
While in Japan, the minister will also recognize the recent signing of a zoning arrangement between Canada and Japan related to African swine fever (ASF). The agreement helps protect access to the Japanese market by recognizing regional disease-control measures in the event of an ASF outbreak, providing increased certainty and protection for Manitoba pork producers and processors.
“We have heard consistently across the region how important our engagement is to building the relationships necessary for future growth,” said Kostyshyn. “Manitoba has so much to offer, and we are helping establish our province as a known and trusted partner in advancing trade and investment in agri-food and other products and services.”
Manitoba shipped $1.1 billion in agri-food exports to Japan in 2025, an increase of more than 18 per cent from the previous year, the minister noted.
