Minister of Agriculture Sándor Fazekas held negotiations in Shanghai on increasing Hungarian exports to China, where he also opened a large wine expo in representation of Hungary.

Minister of Agriculture Sándor Fazekas travelled to Shanghai on Tuesday as the head of a professional delegation, where he also met with the Secretary of the city’s Agriculture Committee, Mr. Chiang Ping. The topics of discussion at the meeting included alternatives with regard to the development of the agrarian industry in Shanghai, opportunities for future cooperation and a possible increase in the trading of agricultural products, and especially of premium category products such as wine, champagne and mangalica pork products, the Minister of Agriculture told Hungarian news agency MTI.

Mr. Fazekas explained that China is a significant outlet for Hungarian products and there is scope for further expanding trade. According to the Minister, relations with Chinese partners are excellent from both a political and professional perspective, and China is open to expanding cooperation.

On Wednesday, Sándor Fazekas held an opening speech at the Prowine international wine industry exhibition, with the participation of wine producers from over 30 countries. Hungary is also present with a separate stand at which all of the country’s wine regions are represented. In his speech, the Minister of Agriculture pointed out the unique nature of Hungarian wines and wine regions and stressed that in international comparison they are among the world’s best.

The fact that Hungary was also invited to give an opening speech at the expo is a message in itself, Mr. Fazekas said. Hungary wines are already present on the Chinese market and the goal is to reinforce this presence, he said, adding that Chinese consumers appreciate speciality and originality, both of which are well represented by Hungarian products.

On Wednesday, Minister Fazekas will travel to Peking, where representatives of the two countries will sign a protocol on the trade and export of raw, frozen beef, as a result of which Hungary will be the first country in Europe to be allowed to export products of this kind to China since the 2011 ban.

(MTI)