Maple Leaf Foods supports free trade between Canada, Japan

Maple Leaf Foods has come out in support of the negotiations between Canada's federal government and the government of Japan towards achieving a free trade agreement that could significantly benefit Canada's agri-food sector.
"We congratulate both governments on taking the important first steps towards this historic partnership," said Michael McCain, president and CEO of Maple Leaf Foods. "Maple Leaf Foods has had a strong presence in Japan for many years, serving many valued Japanese customers with high-quality fresh chilled and frozen pork. This agreement could unlock tremendous opportunities to increase the supply of Canadian pork products to a priority international market for Canada's agri-food sector. We encourage and are hopeful for a timely and ambitious outcome of these negotiations."
In addition to the Canada-Japan free trade negotiations, Maple Leaf Foods said it looks forward to the federal government's conclusion of a free trade agreement with South Korea. Significant Canadian agri-food exports to South Korea are at risk due to the tariff advantage exporters from the U.S. and other countries now enjoy through trade agreements with the country, said the company.