November 13, 2007

German pork unlikely to make a big entry into China market

Although Germany, the largest pork producer in EU is eager to export pork to China, an entry into the Chinese market is not foreseeable in the short term, a Chinese official said after a meeting between veterinary departments from both countries.

Talks took place last week in Beijing between German and Chinese veterinarians to intensify cooperation aiming for market penetration of German pigmeat and other meat products into the Chinese market, according to an article by the German Meat Association.

Yu Taiwei, general director of the Chinese General Administration of Quality supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ), said China is awaiting results of reports on the foot and mouth situation and food safety in Germany. An inspection of German meat export companies would also need to be carried out before talks proceed further.

The German delegation, led by Chef Vet Professor Dr Zwingmann, emphasised the fact that Germany is recognised by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) as now being completely free of foot and mouth disease. The delegation also explained the situation on the foot and mouth among wild pigs and measures to combat it.

The German delegation also presented the structure of pig production in Germany and the potential for pork exports and invited the representatives of the AQSIQ to visit pig production facilities in Germany.

On November 26, a memorandum of understanding is to be signed in Beijing between both parties.

The German Federal Ministry for Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (BMELV) said the memorandum is vital step in entering the China market.

However, the department also acknowledged that China would be a tough market to crack and would not be open to German pork for the foreseeable future.