“China is a very important, growing market for Prince Edward Island exports,” said the Minister. “Our delegation includes key seafood exporters who will have the opportunity to meet buyers and explore opportunities to sell their products in China.”

Minister MacKinley is leading the delegation to the China Fisheries and Seafood Expo, held November 6-8, in Dalian. It is the largest seafood expo in Asia with 900 exhibitors and 15,000 visitors.

The delegation will also travel to Japan and meet with market contacts and tour the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo, one of the largest markets in the world.

The Prince Edward Island delegation includes Royal Star Foods, PEI Mussel King, Acadian Fishermen’s Co-op, BJ Marketing & Trading, and the Prince Edward Island Fishermen’s Association. Holland College’s Culinary Institute of Canada is also part of the delegation and will prepare samples of Prince Edward Island lobster, mussels and crab for potential buyers.

Prince Edward Island seafood exports to China have been steadily growing since 2009. Canadian seafood exports to China doubled from 2007 to 2010, accounting for 7.5% of Canada’s fish and seafood exports in 2010.

“The purpose of this trade mission is to help Prince Edward Island businesses capitalize on the growing demand for high quality seafood products,” said Minister MacKinley. “We are working very hard to expand markets and provide a greater return to fishers and processors.”

The trade mission is funded by the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development, Innovation PEI, and the Canada-Atlantic Provinces Agreement on International Business Development.