Federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay is currently in Shanghai, China participating in the International Import Expo (CIIE) which runs until Saturday.

MacAulay witnessed signing ceremonies between Canadian and Chinese companies, worth an industry-estimated $620 million dollars.

"Canada is a trading nation that is focused on growing trade relationships, including diversifying into new and rapidly growing markets like China," he said. "I am proud to participate in the Expo to build upon current friendships, as well as establish new friendships with government counterparts and business partners in China. These relationships will help to expand opportunities for Canadian businesses, including exporters, farmers and processors."

Canada was designated as one of twelve countries of honour at the expo.

In 2017, two-way merchandise trade between the two countries reached nearly $94.5 billion dollars.