Trade relations between Hungary and China are becoming increasingly close, and especially with regard to the distribution of agricultural and food industry products. Minister of State for Agricultural Economy György Czerván and Chinese Deputy Minister of Agriculture Qu Dongyu met in Hangzhou on 18 May to discuss the further development of agricultural and trade relation between the two countries.
At the meeting, the Chinese Deputy Agriculture Minister said Hungary was an important partner within the Central and Eastern European region, and China much appreciates Hungary’s activities within the framework of the CEEC China 16+1 and the One Road, One Belt initiatives. Mr. Czerván said Hungary sees further opportunities for exporting more products to China. It is also good news for Hungarian farmers that milk exports could soon being, in addition to which negotiations on procedures relating to the export of maize is are also at an advanced stage. Deputy Minister Qu Dongyu indicated that Hungarian wines are well-liked in China, meaning there is a good opportunity to increase Hungarian exports thanks to the excellent quality conditions and favourable prices.
On Friday 19 May the delegation from the Hungarian Ministry of Agriculture held talks with Vice Minister Li Yuanping, head of China’s Department of Supervision on Animal and Plant Quarantine, concerning ongoing and future licencing procedures. At the meeting, the Chinese party confirmed that work is ongoing with regard to documentation on milk, certain meats and maize, in addition to which the parties also discussed the Chinese protection of Hungarian geographic indications and Hungaricums within the framework of an EU agreement. Mr. Czerván briefed his negotiating partners on Hungarian measures to combat the bird flu virus, while Mr. Yuanping confirmed that as a member of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), China would accept the organisation’s decisions on the issue.
China is one of the most dynamically growing markets for Hungarian foods outside Europe, and Hungary is in possession of the most Chinese export licences in the region. The official negotiations and promotional events held by the Ministry of Agriculture’s delegation have successfully facilitated the continued expansion of official and business relations with China.