Britain looks to expand Chinese export market

- Published: 05 November, 2008

The UK pig industry is continuing its bid to increase pork exports to the world's largest pork consumer.

A top-level Chinese delegation is due to attend a BPEX reception at Eurotier - the world's largest specialised livestock event - in Germany on 13 November.

Co-ordinated by the British Pig Association, all of the UK's major pig breeding companies will be present to meet the 30-strong delegation from China's pork industry and there are plans to arrange individual meetings with companies and organisations.

BPEX export manager Jean-Pierre Garnier said: "This is a very important visit by a top-ranking delegation from China, which is by far the largest market for pork in the world, consuming almost half global production.

"It has already been opened to UK breeding stock and a number of firms are actively exporting - it is a trade that is growing and has the potential to expand very fast.

"A protocol has also been signed, which will open the Chinese market to our pork and pork products. Abattoirs wishing to take part in trade with China are being identified prior to official inspections next year."

Eurotier will take place in Hanover, Germany on 11-14 November.