Canada-ASEAN Collaboration in Agriculture and Food Security

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Synopsis

Many industrialising ASEAN countries are experiencing growing populations and wealthier middle classes. Asia is projected to become home to more than 65% of the world’s middle class by 2030, with $1.55 trillion of investment needed to sustain food increasing food demand – especially for higher value agricultural products. This demand for food across Southeast Asia has made it increasingly difficult for many countries to remain self-sufficient with internal resources. ASEAN countries will need to fill the gap through a greater quantity of imports, providing opportunities for natural partnerships with countries such as Canada, which have vibrant agricultural sectors.

Canada, as one of the world’s top agricultural exporters, feeds people all over the world with products from Canadian farms and processing plants. Canada is not only an agricultural and agri-food powerhouse but also a leader in research and development in agri-tech and plant-based protein. The cutting-edge innovation in this sector positions Canada as a partner to address Southeast Asia’s food security challenges.

At the same time, Southeast Asia, and particularly Singapore, has positioned itself as a leader in food innovation. As companies in this nascent sector develop, many will set their sights on other large and sophisticated consumer markets, including in North America.

In this event, we will examine the current state of Canada-ASEAN collaboration in the agri-food sector.  We will also look at how Canadian and ASEAN public and private sector organisations can partner to address ASEAN’s food security challenges and seize business opportunities in both regions.

Objectives

• Examine how Canadian exports, capabilities and expertise in agriculture and agri-food can address contemporary food security challenges in ASEAN.
• Learn about Canada’s role as a plant-based protein powerhouse, and how this intersects with the food industry landscape in Asia.
• Assess the opportunity for cutting edge ASEAN-based food companies to grow and expand in North America.