The trade deal with China is the culmination of a long process of trade liberalisation that has been developed since 2004 by the Association of Pork Producers in Chile, ASPROCER, together with the Agricultural and Livestock Service, SAG, and the Ministry of Agriculture.

Minister of Agriculture, José Antonio Galilea, announced that six processing plants have been authorised to export pork to China, during his official visit to China and after meeting with the Director of Administration for Quality Supervision and Quarantine of the People's Republic of China (AQSIQ), Zhi Shuping, with whom he discussed the issues relating to the authorisation for the export of new agricultural products from Chile.

Minister Galilee said this first shipment was a milestone in the joint work developed by public and private sectors, opening new markets for domestic food.

"The completion of this post confirms that Chile has high safety and quality standards recognised worldwide, protected by the high standards in the industry, allowing us to meet all the demands of new markets," said Minister Galilee.

The first shipment is expected to arrive in China on 6 June.

Juan Ignacio Rios, general manager of the exporter Friosa, said: "The news of the opening up of the Chinese market has been awaited by all pig meat exporters. For Friosa to be the first to make a shipment to China is an honour, and was the result of hard work to keep our facilities to a high standard, in order to be prepared for all demanding markets."

The six plants in Chile are: Lo Miranda Ltda., Rosario Ltda., Las Pataguas Comercial MaxAgro Ltda , Coexsa S.A., Frigorifico O´Higgins SA and Friofort.