Kiwi meat exporters show commitment to Chinese market

WELLINGTON - A major delegation of New Zealand's red meat exporters is traveling to China next week to show a united front in its commitment to the market and meeting Chinese standards, an industry leader told Xinhua Friday.

The 13-strong delegation, headed by the Meat Industry Association (MIA), comes after a troubled year that saw New Zealand meat exports sitting on Chinese wharves after New Zealand' s Ministry for Primary Industries bungled its export documentation.

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However, meat exports had recovered from the problems and trade had grown, particularly in sheepmeat, MIA chairman Bill Falconer said in an e-mail interview.

"The documentation issues were the sort of thing that can happen in a growing, relatively new trade relationship. MIA is working closely with the New Zealand government and is looking forward to meeting with Chinese government to ensure we all have good understanding of each other's systems," said Falconer.

"The principal objective is to demonstrate the whole industry's commitment to China and meeting its standards. This is to show how important China is as a whole our members tend to be very competitive with one another so traveling together is very significant."

China had opened up new opportunities for New Zealand meat exporters, who were adapting to Chinese preferences for different cuts from their traditional markets, and were targeting new products and generating more value.

"For example the Chinese hot-pot dishes are perfect for New Zealand lamb flaps, which are further processed in China; previously these were considered a lower value cut, but now they are very valuable as demand has grown," said Falconer.

"New Zealand is a highly trusted supplier of meat products globally, and one of only a small number of countries who can trade formally with China. This gives us a strong advantage in reputation as Chinese customers can trace our products right back to the farm if required."

The talks would build on established strong relations, he said.

"We know the Chinese and New Zealand governments have a very strong relationship and we are very supportive of that continuing. This is ultimately the key thing."

In 2013, New Zealand sent 36 percent of all sheepmeat exports and 10 percent of beef to China and total industry exports to China were worth almost NZ$1.3 billion ($1.12 billion).