Ireland’s application for access for beef to the Chinese market has benefited from “positive” talks between the two nations.
Discussions between the Republic of Ireland’s minister for Agriculture Food & Marine, Michael Creed, and China’s senior minister with responsibility for Quarantine Inspection Service, Zhi Shuping took place recently to negotiate access for Irish agri-food products to the Chinese market, and in particular Irish beef.
Speaking after the meeting Creed said: “Today’s exchange with minister Zhi was very positive in terms of moving forward a number of technical issues which can make a difference to Irish companies wishing to trade in China. The platform has been laid for further technical engagement between our experts on these issues.
“On beef, the process of approval is complex, and involves a number of the Chinese services. However, I am particularly encouraged that the minister has undertaken to ensure that his officials expedite their consideration of Ireland’s application for beef access.
“While there are further steps in the process, I am satisfied that this represents really positive progress, against a background where Ireland was already the first EU Member State for whom the BSE ban was lifted, in 2015.
“Today’s commitment by the Minister to instruct AQSIQ officials to complete a report on a technical inspection carried in January of this year is a welcome breakthrough in terms of furthering our application for access. This is another milestone on a journey to open opportunities for Irish beef exporters to the lucrative Chinese beef market.”
Minister for Agriculture Food & Marine, Michael Creed TD has welcomed a very positive and constructive engagement with Mr. Zhi Shuping, the senior Minister with responsibility for the Quarantine Inspection Service in China (AQSIQ). The Minster is a key contact for Ireland when it comes to the negotiation of access for Irish agri-food products to the Chinese market.
Creed and Shuping also discussed technical and certification issues in relation to the pigmeat sector.
Image courtesy of Bord Bia.
This story was originally published on a previous version of the Meat Management website and so there may be some missing images and formatting issues.
