The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has sent its largest delegation of agricultural producers to date to China to strike deals and strengthen business ties.
The mission, which runs from 23-28 March, is intended to demonstrate to Chinese buyers that US producers are reliable suppliers of high-quality food and agricultural products, said USDA acting under secretary for farm and Foreign Agricultural Services Michael Scuse. He added the USDA and federal partners would also be working to expand export opportunities and reduce trade barriers during the visit.
Joining Scuse are representatives from almost 40 businesses and leaders from six states’ departments of agriculture.
During stops in Chengdu and Shanghai, participants will meet with dozens of Chinese producers, importers, buyers, distributors and investors. The mission also coincides with the Food Ingredients China (FIC) trade show where Scuse will cut the ribbon to open the show’s US Pavilion.
Bilateral trade between the US and China in fiscal year 2011 reached an all-time high of US$32.1bn, according to a USDA media release. US exports to China were US$22.8bn and exports from China to the US were US$9.3bn. The USDA’s largest overseas presence is now in China with seven offices in five cities.
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