Swiss meat processing companies receive approval for China

During his visit, Vice Minister Zhang Jiwen announced the registration of five Swiss meat processing companies. Registration is a prerequisite for the export of pork products, which are popular delicacies in China.

China is an interesting export destination for high-quality Swiss food. For export, the products must meet the legal requirements of the importing country, for which the companies interested in exporting must go through a registration and inspection procedure. The registration of meat processing companies is the result of cooperation between the companies concerned, the Federal Office for Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs (BLV), the cantonal enforcement authorities, the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the competent Chinese authorities. This cooperation was intensified with the free trade agreement between Switzerland and China, which came into force in 2014. Free trade agreements improve market access for Swiss products. This also benefits food and agricultural products.

Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin and Deputy Minister Zhang Jiwen signed a Memorandum of Understanding providing for closer cooperation in the areas of safety and traceability of food and industrial products as well as in plant quarantine. The two countries are already engaged in intensive exchanges at a technical level in various areas.