October 16, 2013

Markets of Iran, Russia and Zimbabwe will soon be receiving Namibian prime cut beef and lamb products, as informed by Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Forestry (MAWF) Tina Shilongo.

She said during the Livestock Producers Organisation (LPO) congress on Thursday (Oct 10) that Namibia has successfully negotiated the export of meat and meat products to these countries.

"Model export veterinary certificates will soon be available and qualifying abattoirs (EU-approved abattoirs) will be informed when the exports will start," she said.

Shilongo said the export of fresh meat (chilled or frozen) from the Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco)'s Okahandja Abattoir to Iran was approved.

According to her, the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here have confirmed that the trade embargo by the international community against Iran will not have any effect on meat and meat products being exported to Iran, and exports can commence as soon as possible.

Speaking about meat exports to Zimbabwe, Shilongo said Namibia has successfully negotiated the exporting of a 1,000-tonne quota of bone-in beef from the Foot-and Mouth Disease (FMD) protection zone to Zimbabwe.