November 22, 2012

Britain's beef deal with Hong Kong paves inroads to China

A reception was held last week to mark and celebrat Britain and Hong Kong reaching a deal in June where specified bone-in products could be exported to Hong Kong.

The dinner was hosted by Eblex, along with the Secretary of State Owen Paterson, who supported the event as part of the UK's trade mission to the Far East. The event was an opportunity for Eblex, the British red meat levy board, to showcase its Quality Standard Mark (QSM) beef to potential importers.

Paterson said that through trade with Hong Kong, the possibility to trade with China was getting closer as the UK could use it as a "springboard" for breaking into the market.

Eblex sector director Nick Allen said, "The event in Hong Kong was very valuable in showcasing Quality Standard beef to potential importers and making essential business contacts.

"Also, as the Secretary of State highlighted, exporting to Hong Kong could play an important role in helping us break into the Chinese market. While we are under no illusions that this will happen, it is encouraging that we are moving in the right direction."

On November 12 it was announced that Paterson was to lead a delegation from the British beef industry to Hong Kong in order to further push "normalisation" of trade between the two nations. Head of trade development at Eblex Peter Hardwick said the mission was about connecting potential importers in Hong Kong with the UK industry, as well as to showcase the quality of beef produced in the country.

Speaking about the trip Hardwick said, "Our ultimate aim is the normalisation of the beef trade between Britain and Hong Kong, and this is an important step. The Secretary of State leading the delegation is an indicator of how much we value the support we have had from the Hong Kong authorities and the importance we attribute to this market."

Hybu Cig Cymru - Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) also sent a trade delegation to the Far East in a bid to open up vital trade for the Welsh beef and lamb sectors. Representatives from HCC, along with three Welsh red meat exporters, also travelled to meet with authorities in Hong Kong to further market access.

HCC chief executive Gwyn Howell led the mission and explained that it was also Wales' intention to use the opportunity in Hong Kong to springboard into the Chinese market: "There is a growing demand for quality meat products such as Welsh lamb and Welsh beef in China, due to the growing wealth of the average Chinese consumer. Currently only three countries have access to China for lamb exports, and these products demand a high price."