Agriculture and Fisheries Ministry paves way for access to Chinese fisheries market

In an effort to secure the export of Jamaican aquatic products such as lobster into the Chinese market, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries today (Friday, September 22, 2017) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People’s Republic of China.

Under the MOU, the two countries have “agreed to cooperate regarding the promotion of the export of lobsters in the first instance, and thereafter, other aquatic products from Jamaica to China with a view to expeditiously establishing an effective and mutually beneficial trade relationship”.

The terms and conditions of the agreement were outlined by Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon Karl Samuda, at the signing ceremony in which His Excellency, Mr Zhi Shuping, Minister of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People’s Republic of China, participated.
According to Minister Samuda, the plan of action going forward, will include the establishment of prerequisite conditions under which Jamaica can export the fisheries products into China in accordance with international regulations for the trade of food.

To date, the Chinese side has outlined the main procedures to be undertaken with respect to aquatic products being exported to China. The parties have also completed preliminary work through mutual cooperation. The Jamaican side is preparing the relevant information required by the Chinese side.

All matters relating to monitoring, inspection and quarantine requirements will be agreed to by the parties and they shall actively promote work together afterwards with a view to have trade realized as soon as possible.

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