Protocol for Russia to supply pork to China could be signed before end of year - Rosselkhoznadzor

MOSCOW. Dec 7 (Interfax) - Russia's Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor) prior to the end of the year could sign a protocol with China on inspection, quarantine and veterinary-sanitary requirements for Russia to supply pork to the Chinese market, Rosselkhoznadzor said in a statement.

Rosselkhoznadzor's in-house publication "Veterinary Medicine and Life" reported that Sergei Dankvert, head of the watchdog, said this during the "Veterinary Medicine in Food and Biological Safety" scientific and practical conference that is taking place at the Federal Center for Animal Health under the agency's jurisdiction.

"We have finalized the last issues and we are likely to sign the protocol before the end of the year," Dankvert said.

The watchdog said that from December 4 to 14, representatives of the General Customs Administration of China are in Russia. The inspectors are studying the system of veterinary supervision, the activities of Rosselkhoznadzor research institutes, visiting Russian pork enterprises interested in supplying products to China.

As reported, in September this year China lifted the epizootic restrictions on African swine fever, which had been in effect for Russia since 2008. This will make it possible to begin supplying Russian pork to China going forward.

The National Union of Pork Producers estimates that Russian pork exports to China could reach 150-200,000 tonnes per year. Thanks to the Chinese market, total exports of Russian pork could reach 400-500,000 tonnes per year. This year, the Union is forecasting exports of 250,000 tonnes.