According to the British Department for International Trade, the UK dairy sector will receive a multi-million pound export boost as China agrees to import UK dairy products made with milk from third countries.
That's after Trade Secretary Dr. Liam Fox MP on Thursday met with China's General Administration of Customs to reach an agreement which would allow the import of UK dairy products made with milk from third countries. The agreement is estimated to be worth ￡240 million over 5 years to the UK.
Commenting on the development, Mr. Fox said:
"This is my fourth visit to China this year and I'm delighted to see the completion of this deal, bringing significant benefits to dairy producers across the UK at a time when British food and drink exports are at a record high."
Environment Secretary Michael Gove MP commented:
"Our world-class dairy producers already export ￡1.7 billion worth of produce per year. This milestone will help to unlock the UK food and drink industry's full potential forging new trading relationships around the globe. This step shows we can be a truly outward looking Britain outside the European Union."
The news comes after it was reported in August and October last year that two pork production facilities in Northern Ireland, together with three in England, had been approved to export pork to China.
The approval for the plants to export their products to China took several months to complete, and involved Chinese officials visiting the facilities to check their standards, and undertaking detailed inspections of hygiene procedures.
Trade from the two processing plants in Northern Ireland alone could be worth as much as ￡10 million every year, with the British government claiming the agreement could be worth ￡200 million to the British economy, and support 1,500 jobs.
