Kazakhstan gains right to export pork to China

ASTANA. Oct 15 (Interfax) - Kazakhstan and China have signed a protocol granting Kazakh pork access to the Chinese market, the Kazakh Agriculture Ministry's press service said.

The document, which outlines requirements for product inspection, quarantine and safety, was signed in Shanghai by the Kazakh Agriculture Ministry and the General Administration of Customs of China.

"Previously, pork from Kazakhstan was not supplied to China, and no domestic enterprise had the right to export this product. The new protocol opens up opportunities for the supply of not only frozen and chilled meat but also offal and thermally processed pork products," the statement notes.

The ministry believes that the signing of the document creates new prospects for the development of bilateral trade and the strengthening of Kazakhstan's pork sector and processing industry. The expansion of exports will increase the utilization of enterprises and support the development of rural areas.

"This protocol is another step in the development of economic and trade relations between Kazakhstan and China and in expanding the presence of Kazakh agricultural products on international markets," Agriculture Minister Aidarbek Saparov is quoted as saying in the statement.

The parties agreed to strengthen cooperation to ensure that products comply with high international standards of quality and safety. Particular attention will be paid to inspection and quarantine issues.