03/06/2015

Minister Discusses Export Of Pork To China

Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill has met with Government officials in Beijing to discuss progress on applications for the export of pork to China.

The Minister held constructive discussions with the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) in Beijing. During the meeting, the Minister expressed her thanks to AQSIQ Deputy Director-General Bi for the interest he has shown in the north's application and for the recent inspection visits of pork establishments.

Minister O'Neill stated: "I am committed to achieving export status for our recently inspected pork plants and coldstores and will continue to work with AQSIQ to realise this goal. The inspection teams visited the north in April and are now compiling their reports.

"Therefore I welcomed the opportunity to have face-to-face engagement with AQSIQ here in Beijing. My discussions were two-fold: to thank them for their recent inspection visits into the north and to press for an expedited approval process to allow our local pork processors to begin to export their high quality products to China."

During the course of her week-long visit, Minister O'Neill is also meeting a range of key organisations to seek their support in promoting the north's agri-food industry in China.

(CD/JP)

Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

30 November 2015
Two NI Pork Plants Provisionally Recommended To Export To China
Two pork plants in Northern Ireland have been provisionally recommended for approval to export to China. Enterprise Minister Jonathan Bell welcomed the confirmation and said there is huge potential for NI in the marketplace.
27 April 2015
CNCA Visit NI To Assess Pork Processing Premises To Export
The Agriculture and Rural Development Minister has welcomed the upcoming inspection by the Chinese Certification and Accreditation Administration (CNCA) who are visiting Northern Ireland this week to assess pork processing premises to export.
29 July 2014
Further Boost For Pork Exports
Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill welcomed improved export conditions for pork to Singapore. She said: "Today's announcement is a further boost for our pork exports following agreement by the Singapore authorities to accept meat from all the animals reared and processed in the north.
02 December 2013
Robinson And McGuinness Lead First Business Mission To Japan
The First Minister Rt. Hon. Peter D Robinson, MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, MP, MLA are leading their first business mission to Japan this week. The four-day visit follows an invitation extended to the Ministers during the G8 Summit by Japanese Prime Minister Abe.
14 November 2012
Ministers Announce Orders Worth £1m In China
First Minister Rt. Hon. Peter D Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP MLA have announced orders worth £1million in China for Carrickfergus company Yelo at the start of their trade mission in Shanghai.