Japan is open to the import of Hungarian agricultural products

Hirofumi Takinami, Japan’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and István Nagy, Minister of Agriculture (Photo: AM)

At the meeting, the Minister drew attention to the fact that Hungary has maintained diplomatic relations with Japan for more than a century and a half, so bilateral relations are deeply rooted, which can be boldly built on. István Nagy expressed his appreciation for the organization of the Osaka World Expo. Japan is drawing attention to areas that are of such high priority and have an impact on everyone’s lives, such as innovative solutions, recycling and sustainability, he added.

The minister also spoke about the fact that effective action against animal diseases is an increasingly important challenge on a global level

For example, Hungary recently had to fight the foot-and-mouth disease virus, which it successfully did, and our country is once again free from the disease. The minister reminded that Japan was among the first to recognize regionalization in the case of Hungarian pork. So now, too, it is in our interest that Hungarian meat exports to the region are restored and become smooth again, which is also of paramount importance for Hungarian farmers. High-level animal health and epidemic prevention work is underway in Hungary, and our fundamental interest is consumer confidence and maintaining an infection-free livestock population. Our country is ready to provide Japan with a reassuring answer to any questions that arise. We are waiting for the delegation of the Far Eastern country in Hungary so that they can personally see the domestic measures – István Nagy emphasized.

The meeting also discussed fisheries and sustainability issues

The minister said Japan should be left to decide what it wants to do with the eel, which is native to Asia. Protecting the environment is of paramount importance to both parties, and the key lies in shaping attitudes, which should start as soon as possible, including among the younger generations. During the meeting, István Nagy invited his counterpart to visit the National Agricultural and Food Industry Exhibition and Fair to be held in Hungary in September. The Japanese deputy minister asked the Minister of Agriculture to have our country participate in the 2027 International Horticultural Exhibition in Yokohama.

AM