István Nagy: Sino-Hungarian agricultural relations may soon resume

(Photo: AI)

The Hungarian Minister said in the Chinese capital that in order to restore and restart trade relations, he met with his Chinese counterpart, with whom they reviewed the potential in agribusiness, agriculture and the food industry. On Tuesday, they also held talks with the Chinese Minister of Customs, who is responsible for enforcing the principle of regionalization and determining the conditions under which a product can arrive in the People’s Republic of China – István Nagy told MTI. “Reopening trade routes within Europe is a simple process, but for third countries it is a longer, more difficult process, since they are not forced by any other agreement, except for the one they conclude with the given country. China is a very important strategic partner for Hungary,” he emphasized.

Reopening was the central topic

According to the minister, during Tuesday’s discussions, they discussed with the Chinese side how they could accelerate and restart the processes that give free rein to Hungarian products, among which the export of pork and pork products to China would be extremely important – he emphasized. “We are free from African swine fever, but regionalization must be applied. I asked the Chinese parties to speed up the process so that we do not have to wait for the entire European Union to be exempt and the end of accreditation, but to take Hungary first in these inspections, so that we can receive a special status,” he said. In addition, several Hungarian agricultural product groups were discussed during the negotiations, including poultry, waterfowl, goose products, cattle, and the export of raw wool from the sheep sector, he added.

The Minister emphasized that in addition to finished products, it is necessary to address live animals

There is a great need for Hungarian poultry, including the Bábolna TETRA laying hybrids, as well as the genetic potential of Hungarian cattle genetic materials in China. In addition, there is a demand for high-quality Hungarian honey in China, where they were promised on Tuesday that the negotiation processes would be accelerated and that the honey products of two Hungarian companies could also be sent to China as soon as possible. “The standard of Hungarian animal health, the professional work and credibility of the Hungarian authorities reach China, and they can see and feel the high-level professional processes taking place in Hungary here too,” said István Nagy.

AM