Brazil and China agree new export protocols
Brazilian agriculture minister, Wagner Rossi, and general manager of AQSIQ (the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People's Republic of China), Wang Yong, signed new protocols regarding beef and tobacco exports.
The documents were signed in the presence of Brazilian President, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and Chinese President, Hu Jintao, at the foreign ministry headquarters. During the signing ceremony, Lula stressed the importance China's trade partnership with Brazil. He said trade between the two countries have grown 780% since 2003. The President called for greater boldness from Brazilian businessmen and also stressed the potential growth of agricultural sales to China.
Mr Rossi said the new agreements would contribute to the deepening of bilateral relations. "They signal a sense of continuity and expansion of joint activities between Brazil and China," he said.
The new protocol deals with the veterinary and sanitary conditions of the beef being shipped. The agriculture ministry said it would provide proof that it was monitoring waste as well as taking new measure to prevent and control disease and to preserve the areas that are free of foot and mouth disease. A list of 14 Brazilian packers that meet the AQSIQ health requirements will be provided. Only five are currently permitted to export the product to China.
