On bovine semen, bovine embryos, and porcine semen and blood products, China has approved Canadian collection centres and processing facilities thereby allowing trade to resume. This restores access to one of Canada's most important export markets in Asia.

"China is one of our most important Asian markets, and we are very pleased with their decision to immediately resume trade in these areas. The decision underlines the level of confidence in Canada's food safety systems and the measures we have put in place," said Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Andy Mitchell.

"I am pleased that our two countries are taking a science-based approach to resolving these important issues. We will continue discussions with China to open the border to remaining beef products and live animals," said International Trade Minister Jim Peterson, currently in China leading a Canadian Trade Mission.

In 2003, poultry and poultry products exports to China totalled over $5 million, and exports in semen and embryos totalled $3.5 million.

Imports of poultry and poultry products were halted in February 2004 following the discovery of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Canada. China's decision to lift the ban was based on evidence provided by Canada which showed that the disease had been eradicated and was consistent with the guidelines of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE).

A ban on imports of bovine and certain porcine products followed the discovery of BSE in May 2003. China lifted the ban on a number of products in September 2004, following a series of technical discussions with Canadian officials. In October, during a visit to Beijing, Minister Mitchell signed two protocols establishing the animal health conditions for resumption of trade in bovine semen and embryos. The recently approved Canadian establishments can now begin immediately to export these products, as well as porcine blood products, to China.

"These developments are extremely positive news for both the poultry, the beef and the porcine industries, and reflects the success of recent efforts and discussions reinforcing the stringent measures we have in place to ensure the safety of Canadian products," said Minster Mitchell.

Source: Government of Canada - 21st January 2005