Our country continues to strengthen its agricultural relations with China

(Photo: AM/István Fekete)

At the meeting, the head of the ministry reminded that this year we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Hungary, which provides a great opportunity to review and further develop bilateral economic and trade relations. In addition, with the One Belt, One Road initiative, we can further deepen the cooperation between the two countries. China is an important partner for our country. István Nagy also touched on the fact that Eastern countries are one of the most decisive players in the world economy, which is why we pay special attention to bilateral partnership. Hungarian products cannot compete in the Chinese market in terms of quantity, but premium products hold their own. He mentioned foie gras, Tokaji assu, mangalica and pen as examples. He emphasized that among Central European countries, our country has the largest number of export licenses to China for product groups, which also covers pork, goose, duck, beef, and rabbit meat, as well as live horses, milk, and wheat. Furthermore, the raw wool protocol was signed last year, with which another obstacle was removed in the trade between our countries. The minister’s partner brought to his attention that Hungary ranks among the leaders in the world in terms of both quality and quantity in terms of seed breeding and production. The domestic genetic potential also holds great potential at the international level. In addition, in the field of freshwater aquaculture and fish farming, he has experience in the field of technology and research and development in Hungary, which we are ready to share.

The meeting also discussed animal health issues regarding bird flu and swine fever

From the point of view of Hungarian foreign trade, it would be a major step forward if China also accepted regionalization in this area. To this end, the National Chief Veterinarian will host a delegation of experts from the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in February, to whom he will give a presentation on the structure of the Hungarian animal health system, as well as on the epidemiological measures of the Hungarian authorities. István Nagy also spoke about the fact that we can further strengthen the cooperation between the two countries in the field of scientific, educational and technological cooperation. For example, the Hungarian-Chinese Food Safety Research Center can create a good basis for this.

According to the head of the ministry, the areas discussed at the meeting prove that there is huge potential in the agricultural relations of the two countries

And Hungary wants to be a gateway for China in the region, so China should also cooperate with Hungary in the fields of agriculture, manufacturing and trade. As part of the meeting, Ma Youxiang also invited Minister of Agriculture István Nagy to two international conferences in China.

AM