May 9, 2005

Mongolia's meat products looking more attractive

Meat exports from Mongolia are forecast to rise as there has been increased interest in Mongolian meat from other countries.

An agreement has been made with Ukraine for future exports of 50,000 tonnes a year. An initial 80,000 tonnes was proposed but was later amended as Mongolia's supply was not able to match that. The shipments will commence once representatives from both countries have agreed on a price, and Ukrainian inspectors are satisfied with the hygiene standards.

Vietnam and the Philippines have expressed interest as well during meetings earlier this year with Mongolian President N. Bagabandi. As these exports will need to be shipped via China, businessmen there have so far expressed their interest in setting up arrangements.

During the Mongolian-Chinese Intergovernmental Commission Session held in Beijing on April 17-18, the Chinese government and the Mongolian Meat Producers Association have concurred on a plan to transport meat and meat products through China, to Southeast Asia. Mongolian health agencies have also extended an invitation to Chinese inspection officials to examine its meat production plants.

In an effort to improve the current system of meat production and supply, the Mongolian Meat Producers Association is considering establishing meat trading centres countrywide. With an overhaul of the meat preparation and trading system, the country will then be more qualified to meet the export requirements of more countries.