Starting February 7, 2024, China has lifted restrictions on the import of poultry products from Kazakhstan, including the earlier ban related to foot-and-mouth disease, the press service of the Ministry of Agriculture reports.
The Ministry accentuates that the prohibition on poultry product imports had been in effect since 2005, and restrictions related to foot-and-mouth disease were imposed in 2022. The recent decision to lift these restrictions paves the way for the resumption of exports to China, encompassing frozen beef and pork from the southeastern regions of Kazakhstan, along with a diverse array of poultry products.
“It is crucial to emphasize that Kazakhstan can now initiate the process of harmonizing veterinary requirements to broaden the scope of exportable goods. Additionally, efforts will be directed towards gaining approval for exports from the entirety of Kazakhstan. The decision to revoke the bans follows the official visit of President Kasym-Jomart Tokayev to China in 2023, during which he affirmed Kazakhstan's readiness to supply China with livestock products,” the press service stated.
Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin conducted several rounds of negotiations, and in November 2023, the Minister of Agriculture of Kazakhstan, Aidarbek Saparov, held an official meeting with Yu Jianhua, the Chairman of the General Customs Administration of the PRC.
Throughout 2023, the Chinese authorities conducted a thorough risk assessment on avian influenza and foot-and-mouth disease. In December, a group of experts from the State Customs Administration and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the PRC visited Kazakhstan. During their visit, they conducted an audit of the veterinary service to ensure effective control of the mentioned diseases.
"The Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan remains committed to expanding the Register of enterprises oriented towards exporting to China. This initiative is expected to unlock new opportunities for Kazakhstan’s agribusinesses to penetrate the Chinese market," concluded the ministry.