Thank you very much.
Of course, it's a massive market in China. I've been there five times as a minister, and a number of times previous to that. The Chinese market is vitally important.
This was a very interesting trade mission. I was representing Canada at the China International Import Expo, which the president of China presided over. It was very interesting to be there. Almost all countries in the world were represented at that.
I also participated in the opening of one of the largest seafood exhibitions in Qingdao. It was the second time I had opened it with the minister. It was very interesting. Not only did we open it, but he came to the Canadian pavilion and spent about half an hour there and saw all that we had to offer.
Then there was the food and hotel expo in China, too. All of these ended up with about one and three-quarters of a billion dollars' worth of signed deals.
In my view, the most important thing with China is to be present there. There's no question that when I sat down with the minister at the fishery exhibition, a friendship was created. That's part of what's so important with getting your products into China.
Of course, as the minister indicated to me, they're very interested in quality, price and friendship.
All countries, including China, are very concerned about safe food. In this country, we have the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. It's so important that it be funded properly. The maple leaf, certified by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, is a great trademark to sell products in China. We have that.
Along with that, you have to be present there. We were present with over 100 producers and exporters. I think we made a good impression on the Chinese importers. We had meetings with many people.
It takes time to enter the Chinese market. Once you get there, if you can get established, it means that there will be a bigger demand for our agri-food products. That's exactly what I'm trying to do.