Finalising agreement on access for British pig trotters to the Chinese market is being treated as a “high priority” issue by Defra, according to the National Pig Association (NPA).
Reporting on a meeting between environment, food and rural affairs secretary, Elizabeth Truss, and NPA chairman, Richard Lister, the association quoted the minister as saying that the issue “needs to be concluded as swiftly as possible”.
NPA, reporting through its own website, also quoted Ms Truss (pictured above) stating that estimating a precise timetable for the conclusion of negotiations was “difficult” although Defra has provided all of the additional information requested by the Chinese authorities.
It was also reported that the appointment of Karen Morgan as agriculture, food and drink counsellor in Beijing had helped the UK Government to build important working relationships with key Chinese ministries.
In addition, the British Embassy in Beijing is in regular contact with the Chinese authorities to ensure that they have everything they need to finalise the agreement.