The UK is entering a "golden era" with China following a three-day trade mission which has been hailed a "great success" in terms of export opportunities.
An agreement to progress lifting the BSE ban on British beef exports to China was announced on the first day of the three-day visit, as well as an agreement to allow exports of a broader range of dairy products.
High quality and safety will help British products make their mark on the all-important Chinese market, according to AHDB’s Chief Executive Officer – who accompanied the Prime Minister on a trade delegation to China last week.
Jane King said the trade mission, which achieved over £9 billion in potential export sales of UK products and services overall, marked a major milestone in unlocking the full potential of this important market.
'Golden era'
“This visit can be viewed as a huge success for all involved,” said Ms King.
“According to the Prime Minister, China and UK relations are entering a golden era in terms of trade and it is an exciting time for the country’s farming industry as we look at future export opportunities.
“Britain has a fantastic global reputation and is renowned for high standards of food quality and safety as well as animal welfare, which is of great importance to Chinese consumers.
“Therefore, it is vital that we continue to build on this positive trade visit to unlock the full potential for our producers here in the UK.”
Pork to malting barley
During the visit, the trade mission highlighted the availability of British produce to Chinese food manufacturers and processors.
British government officials held meetings with members of the Chinese government and other industry leaders where products ranging from pork to malting barley were discussed.
Ms King raised the urgency of lifting the beef ban with both Theresa May and International Trade Secretary Liam Fox – clearing the way for detailed discussions and the completion of a five-step process to open the Chinese market to British beef.
The visit comes after years of collaboration across industry to demonstrate equivalence of animal health and hygiene standards.
'Prosperous relationship'
Agreements are already in place to export pork from the UK to China and a further two processing plants have recently received approval to export pigs’ trotters.
Pork exports to China began in 2012 and grew to £74 million by 2016, with UK exports to the country growing at a faster rate than anywhere else in the world last year.
The UK also has a licence to export malting barley used in brewing to China, as it has a significant quality advantage over other nations.
Ms King added: “These are great examples of how trade can mutually benefit the British and Chinese industries. AHDB has made substantial progress to facilitate greater business for agricultural products with China and we will continue to play a key role in steering future discussions to build a more prosperous relationship in the future.”
