Uruguay boosts the export of its meat to the People’s Republic of China

Photo: Ministerio de Ganadería, Agricultura y Pesca.

According to a report by the outlet Todo El Campo, within the framework of the tour in the People’s Republic of China, Fernando Lugris, Uruguay’s ambassador to the Asian country; Alfredo Fratti, Minister of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries; Gastón Scayola, President of the National Meat Institute (INAC); Álvaro Pereira, Market Access Manager; and Victoria Cai, Manager of INAC’s office in Asia, held meetings, marketing actions, and press conferences with officials from China’s Ministry of Commerce.

In these meetings—specifically during the hearing with the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, which is analyzing import restrictions on this product—representatives from the South American country expressed the importance of trade relations with the People’s Republic of China for their meat exports.

During one of the press conferences, INAC President Gastón Scayola and Minister Fratti presented their country’s position since the beginning of the investigations by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce regarding potential restrictions on the bilateral beef trade.

These investigations, which are regulated by World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, have been carried out based on what the organization stipulates, which includes, among other things, a public hearing. This took place on March 31 in China’s capital and included at least 50 stakeholders in the matter, such as exporting companies, governments, Chinese distributors, cattle ranchers, among others.

A private bilateral meeting was also held between Uruguayan diplomatic representatives and INAC members with the Chinese Ministry of Commerce. In this meeting, the head of INAC highlighted the significant importance of meat production and livestock to Uruguay—a key sector that represents 10% of the country’s GDP, generates employment for at least 90,000 people, and whose meat exports, at about 80% of the total, along with 50% of overall exports, are mainly destined for the People’s Republic of China.

Moreover, the head of INAC was invited to visit hotels, meat-specialized supermarkets, and restaurants in which imported Uruguayan meat is sold in China.

As a result of this tour, it was reported that the Oriental Republic of Uruguay obtained authorization for chicken meat to enter the Hong Kong market—an achievement made possible through the efforts of INAC President Gastón Scayola. Additionally, the visit allowed for the reactivation of dialogue with key organizations in China’s meat sector, renewing the long-standing relationship with INAC.

Last but not least, some of the main actors involved in these transactions include the China Meat Association (CMA), composed of research institutes, media outlets, and primarily Chinese companies specialized in the meat sector, such as processing plants, exporters and importers, cold storage companies, among others.

Also noteworthy is the Chamber of Importers and Exporters of Food, Native Products, and Animal By-Products of China (CFNA), which depends on China’s Ministry of Commerce and serves as the spokesperson for the country’s import-export companies.

Likewise, the China Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Association (CIQA) plays a role. This association is formed by both private and public entities, operates as a public organization, and is responsible for connecting private companies with the government on matters of product inspection and quarantine.

Main Source:

Uruguay refuerza posicionamiento de la carne uruguaya en China

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