China and Denmark sign pig production deal
China’s agriculture minister Han Changfu met with Danish Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, Mette Gjerskov, in Copenhagen on 5 September.
The ministers discussed co-operation on a range of agricultural issues, livestock production, veterinary services, sustainability and bilateral trade. They agreed to build “efficient co-operation mechanisms” to deepen collaboration on a number of issues, including research between agricultural institutions, exchanges of veterinary drugs and bio-products, and biomass technology and policies.
Key to discussions was an agreement that enterprises and researchers from both countries should collaborate to improve pig breeding systems and improve pig production in China. At the end of the meeting, the ministers signed a Framework Agreement on Further Strategic Cooperation in Pig Farming.
Sustainability
Speaking after the meeting, Gjerskov said: “It’s a good deal for Denmark. Agriculture is already one of our top exports and with this agreement, we take another step into the Chinese market, which is developing rapidly and where there is demand for exactly the things we are good at in Denmark.”
She pointed out that sustainability and the environment were key issues for China at the moment, and Denmark has the expertise that the country needs in these areas. “We can contribute to sustainability in China,” she said.
Minister Han and his delegation – which includes China’s chief economist Chen Mengshan and members of the Chinese agricultural industry – are currently on a visit to Denmark arranged by Denmark’s Ministry for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries. The visit has also included talks on bilateral agricultural trade with the Danish minister for Trade and Investment, Pia Olsen Dyhr, and a visit to Arla Foods, DanBred International and several farms.
It is expected that Denmark will send 14 billion dollars of agricultural exports to China next year.
