Italy has received approvals to
export mortadella sausage, as well as other prepared pork
products, to China after 10 years of talks, the industry's
association announced Thursday.
Ham and other meat products are included in the deal
announced by Assica, the industrial association of meat and
sausage producers and pig slaughterers, which is also part of
major business employers association Confindustria.
Cooked ham - known in Italy in proscutto cotto - as well as
mortadella and other types of sausages have been approved for
export after health authorities in both Italy and China endorsed
the trade deal.
Negotiations began 10 years ago between Rome and Beijing to
open the Chinese market to production from pigs born, reared and
slaughtered in Italy.
Eight years ago, Chinese authorities, including veterinary
officials, first visited Italian facilities to inspect
processes, said Assica.
The group applauded the trade arrangement, although its
president said she hoped it would be widened to include more
products including fresh pork as negotiations continue.
"This is a significant opening, although unfortunately it
is still limited for our companies," said Lisa Ferrarini,
president of Assica.
"Our next goals are bringing Chinese authorities to Italy
for a new mission in order to obtain the authorization to export
for other companies, and to expand the range of exportable goods
to include other products made of seasoned pork, such as salami,
coppa, pancetta, as well as the export of fresh pork," she said.
Ferrarini estimates the trade arrangement has the potential
to be worth 25 million euros annually, based on exports last
year to Hong Kong worth five million euros.
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