Uruguay resumes beef negotiations with Japan and Korea
Uruguay’s livestock, agriculture and fisheries ministry is to resume direct negotiations with the health authorities of South Korea and Japan in relation to beef exports to those markets.
From Saturday 23 until the end of the month, director general of livestock services, Francisco Muzio, accompanied by president of the animal health division, Federico Fernández, will visit South Korea and Japan to hold detailed discussions with officials there.
At present, the two Asian countries will only import processed beef cuts, but Uruguay is hoping they will also start to accept fresh cuts. Japan and South Korea have been strict about imports because of BSE fears. However, the Uruguayan ministers have pointed out that it is completely free of the disease.
"The scenario today is not the same as four years ago. Now there's more demand for meat than before. So I am more optimistic that they can remove the restrictions for fresh beef in South Korea," Mr Muzio said.
