China deal to boost Australian meat exports

AUSTRALIAN meat exporters are set to benefit from China’s decision to accredit 28 cold store facilities and four red meat plants around the country as the first step in a system-wide app roach to approval of meat storage facilities for shipping.

The deal, announced as a result of the Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s trip to China, means exporters can save money by consolidating large loads of meat for shipping. Processors will be able to store their product and export it when commercially viable in response to demand, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) – Australia said. The deal also recognises Australia’s own certification systems for cold stores and allows for facilities to be added to the already-approved 28 facilities without special consent from China.