Peru would export US$3 billion in chicken, beef and pork to China before 2029

The Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (Midagri) expects to export up to US$3 billion in chicken, beef and pork to the Chinese market in the next five years, but requires reaching a “geopolitical” agreement before the inauguration of the Megaport of Chancay.

In an interview with La República, Minister Ángel Manero explained that an international certification is needed that declares the country free of diseases, such as Foot and Mouth Disease, in the case of beef; avian flu, in the case of chickens; and swine fever, in the case of pigs.

Of all of them, for example, we do not have avian flu in 11 regions. We are missing 13 regions throughout the territory, said the head of Midagri. This situation must be aired during APEC 2024.

“We have the country free of Foot and Mouth Disease, so we could export to the extent that the destination country accredits us. And we have our sights set on China, for example, but China has to accredit us as a country free of Foot and Mouth Disease, without vaccination And that is a procedure that we have to do,” he said.

In this sense, the minister said that his office has coordinated with the Foreign Ministry to add the export of beef to the 28 points that are currently being negotiated in the FTA with China. As this newspaper reported last April, the Peruvian Government hopes to expand the treaty with the Asian giant.

“And it is not such a technical procedure, because in the case of China this is motivated by political or geopolitical interests. So we are taking advantage of the president’s visit, which will take place in two months,” stated Manero.

In beef alone – because China buys premium and regular meat – “several billions” are counted, according to Midagri. The goal is to “export between US$2,000 and US$3,000 million between beef, chicken and pork” until 2029.

“And that involves strengthening Senasa as well, it requires more budget, technical capabilities, personnel capabilities to have the country completely free of avian flu, swine fever and maintain the current situation,” he concluded.