Authorities from Argentina and the People's Republic of China thoroughly reviewed the status and evolution of trade and bilateral relations between both countries, within the framework of the 20th Meeting of the Joint Economic and Trade Committee held in Beijing.
The authorities submitted proposals to increase bilateral trade and adjust the balance of payments. In order to do this, they analyzed ways to improve access conditions for Argentine food products and to incorporate products with greater added value into exports to China.
With regard to sanitary and phytosanitary matters, technical negotiations were concluded to commence table grapes exports next season. This will have a significant impact on regional economies, especially San Juan and Mendoza provinces, which have the largest export capacity of such product. The People's Republic of China imports around 600 million dollars per year of fresh grapes.
Furthermore, the Chinese Government undertook to send an inspection mission to Argentina in the coming months in order to certify beef and poultry production establishments.
The Secretary for International Economic Relations, Ambassador María Cristina Boldorini, remarked that "our main interest is to open markets and improve on the conditions to export our products. We are optimistic in view of the achieved results."
The Joint Committee also analyzed opportunities for agricultural cooperation. The Parties agreed to continue working jointly in the fields of biotechnology, dairy products, seeds and veterinary medicine.
In relation to investments, the Chinese authorities expressed their interest in contributing to energy, mining and infrastructure projects.