MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

First shipment of Argentine beef to the Japanese market

The shipment is a first step for the entry of Argentine beef from all over the country to Japan

The first-ever shipment of Argentine beef to Japan was sent on Wednesday, a significant achievement for both countries made possible through an effective and coordinated effort between health authorities, Agro-Industry Ministries, Foreign Ministries, and the respective embassies.

The shipment was sent following a visit to Tokyo by Argentina's Agro-Industry Minister, Miguel Etchevehere, in May, during which he and his Japanese counterpart, Ken Saito, agreed on the entry of beef and ovine meat from the Argentine Patagonia region to the Japanese market and on the entry of Japanese beef to Argentina.

“The news is of great importance to the meat sector and, in general, in terms of prospects for Argentine exports, which are gradually accessing new markets,” Foreign Minister Faurie stated, also noting that “Japan is one of the leading players in global economy and our bilateral economic and trade relations are regaining strength for the mutual benefit of both countries, not only with a view to exports but also as regards the presence of Japanese companies in Argentina.”

Minister Etchevehere, for his part, recalled that “in May, we promised that shipments of Argentine meat to Japan would begin in July, as is now happening,” and added that “this is a turning point in trade relations between both countries. We know that our trade exchanges can be strengthened and diversified and we hope to keep making progress for our trade relations to grow.”

The shipment is a first step for the entry of Argentine beef from all over the country to Japan. In the next few days, a 10-ton meat container with 13 different meat cuts, which will be tested in the Japanese market, will also be shipped by sea.

In addition, several ovine meat businesses from Patagonia have been authorized to export Patagonian lamb to Japan.

To celebrate this milestone in trade relations -which is part of the enhanced confidence-building process of the last few years, as well as the strategic relation agreed in November 2016-, on 1

August the Argentine Embassy in Tokyo will hold an event to promote and launch beef exports, together with the importing company.