Food and Rural Affairs Secretary Elizabeth Truss has told Pig World that she believes China offers “big” market opportunities for British pork exporters, writes Colin Ley.
Speaking during a visit to SIAL Paris, the international food and beverage event, she responded to questions on the pigmeat impact of the Russian trade ban by focusing attention on pork export opportunities for the British industry.
“The Russian ban is obviously an issue,” she said, “but we are seeing trade moving around the world. Where I see a huge opportunity for pork producers is not only in promotion within the UK, but also new markets like China.
“I’m going to China in December and will be talking to the Chinese government about this. We’ve obviously opened some pork areas in the country but there is more to be done and I think that is a big opportunity for us.”
The Secretary of State, who will be accompanied by industry representatives in China, was commenting after visiting the EBLEX stand at SIAL.
She also found time, during a very brief interview session, to add that she represented a “very pig friendly constituency (South West Norfolk)” where some “great pork” was being produced.