Increasing Chinese market demand for excellent quality, GMO-free Hungarian products was the main topic of today’s meeting between Chinese Ambassador Duan Jielong and Minister of Agriculture Sándor Fazekas.
Chinese food industry imports have increased several-fold in recent years in addition to the new import licences recently granted and in process will enable the appearance of new products on the Chinese market, the Minster said.
In response to the interest shown by the Ambassador, Mr. Fazekas provided a short presentation on Hungarian grey cattle husbandry and Hungarian equestrian traditions. Mr. Jielong indicated that according to Chinese assessments, the recently adopted protocol on the shipment of live horses had also opened up opportunities within the fields of horse breeding, equestrian sports and equestrian tourism. With relation to milk products, the Minister pointed out that although fresh milk has a major consumer following in Hungary, investing in the establishment of suitable processing capacities could also allow for the production of milk powder for the Chinese market.
Meat prices in China have increased recently and there is significant market demand for both pork and game meat. Mr. Fazekas pointed out the opportunities inherent in Hungary’s large game stocks, stressing that he sees opportunities both in the export of game meat and within the field of hunting tourism. The parties highlighted goose liver (foie gras) as a premium product with great traditions in Hungary for which there is increasing demand in China. Mr, Fazekas and the Chinese Ambassador also spoke briefly about national parks, Hungarian wine exports and other topical issues.