May 15, 2023

 

China approves imports of French pork

 

China has granted approval for the import of qualified French pork and pledged to establish a fast-track trade channel for French agricultural and food imports, signaling a deepening economic and trade cooperation between the two nations, Global Times reported.

 

This development follows French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to China in April and is expected to provide a blueprint for French farmers who heavily rely on exports to China, the world's largest pork market.

 

China's General Administration of Customs (GAC) announced that starting from Thursday, China will permit the import of French pork that meets the necessary inspection and quarantine requirements, in compliance with the agricultural regulations of both countries.

 

The GAC stated its commitment to collaborate closely with French counterparts in building a comprehensive and efficient coordination mechanism, which will address specific issues related to the import of French agricultural and food products.

 

To enhance this cooperation, mechanisms will be strengthened, personnel exchanges promoted, and regular high-level meetings on animal and plant quarantine and food safety will be established.

 

A fast-track channel for bilateral agricultural and food products will be created, all while maintaining national biosecurity standards, according to the GAC statement.

 

Both countries also aim to strengthen collaboration in international organisations to establish global standards for preventing and controlling animal and plant diseases, as well as preventing the cross-border spread of diseases.

 

France is currently the only EU member state to have cooperated with and reached an agreement with China in regional management of African swine fever.

 

A total of 229 agricultural and food products, including seafood, dairy products, beef, pork, breeding swine, and swine genetic materials, can be exported from France to China. Official data reveals that there are 6,958 registered French agricultural and food production companies in China, the highest among all EU member states.

 

-      Global Times