Under the theme 'Bringing China to the world, bringing the world to China', Patrick J. Moore, president of IMS, noted that this International conference was taking place against the background of the enormous changes in the global meat market.

"Meat demand is strong and growing and at the same time, international trade in meat continues to grow and is remarkably resilient despite the impacts of animal disease outbreaks and market access issues," he said.

During the two-day conference, issues concerning pork production and its market, pork consumption trends, new technology and new products as well as global pork trade and policies shall be discussed.

Consumption doubles
Speaking at the conference Deng Fujiang, deputy director and secretary general of China Meat Association, said that per capita consumption of pork in China has almost doubled since 1990.

"Each Chinese consumed 20 kg of pork in 1990 and the figure stood at 39.6 kg in 2006, Deng said. The business volume of pork market also rose from 6.2 million tons to 25 million tons during the period.

Deng attributed the rise of pork prices in China since May to the long-term low profit and small scale of pig farms, increased risks of epidemic diseases and booming market demand.

IMS, founded in 1974, brings together meat and livestock organizations throughout the world. China is the first Asian country to host the conference. The 5th China International Meat Industry Exhibition shall be held at the same time.