Global General

Canada to resume pork exports to China

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-02-26 13:37

OTTAWA: The Canadian pork products will be back on the Chinese market after Canada secured a certification agreement allowing pork exports to China, Canadian Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz said on Thursday.

The minister made the announcement during his visit to the World Animal Health Organization (OIE) and Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Paris.

"When our government works to open and expand markets for Canadian producers around the world we always point to the clear OIE consensus that Canadian pork and beef is safe," he said.

"We are pleased to continue our strong and respectful working relationship with China. Access to the Chinese market is excellent news for Canadian pork producers and underlines the importance of recognizing international science-based standards."

In spring of 2009, China banned pork imports from H1N1-affected countries, including Canada. The ban was lifted during a visit by Prime Minister Stephen Harper to China in December.

According to a news release from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, China was an important market for Canadian pork valued at 45 million Canadian dollars (about $42.15 million) in 2008. Discussions on the Chinese imports of Canadian live swine were underway.