Julián Domínguez, Argentina’s Minister of Agriculture (left) with Chinese Minister Zhi Shuping of AQ

Julián Domínguez, Argentina’s Minister of Agriculture, (left) with Chinese Minister Zhi Shuping of AQSIQ

China and Argentina have inked three new agreements to promote the trade of food between the two countries during a meeting in Beijing, China.

As part of the deal, China has approved the entry of Argentinean citrus fruits to southern Chinese ports, according to a statement from Argentina’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (Minagri).

Previously, Argentina only had access (under a deal signed in 2004) to the northern Chinese ports of Dalian, Qingdao, Beijing, Tianjin and Shanghai, which are located at some distance from the major wholesale markets in the south.

The agreement will mean Argentinean oranges, grapefruit and mandarins can now also be shipped to the ports of Guangzhou and Xiamen, the press release said.

“`AQSIQ` Minister Zhi Shuping recognises the quality of our agricultural food production,” stated Julián Domínguez, Argentina’s Minister of Agriculture.

The two other accords were signed for beef meat meal; cow, sheep and goat bones and blood; and wine.

Both parties said they are now focused on moving forward the technical negotiations for other Argentinean agricultural exports to China, including lemons and corns.