Mexico's authorities have agreed to increase exports to Japan between 2012 and 2016, with particular focus on agricultural products such as citrus fruits, pork, beef and chicken, reported Prensa-latina.cu.

According to a statement from the Mexican Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food (SAGARPA), businesspeople, importers and functionaries from the two countries recently met to discuss trade expansion.

Francisco Mayorga

Francisco Mayorga, who is in charge of SAGARPA, said orange exports would increase from 4,000 metric tonnes (MT) to 4,100MT in 2012, while orange juice exports would rise from 6,500MT to 6,800MT, the story reported.

He said that while 75% of Mexico's exports to Japan were concentrated in pork, avocado represented 6.6% at 12,000MT annually while mangoes made up 1.23% of exports at 2,200MT, the story reported.

The statement from SAGARPA labelled Japan as a 'gateway to Asia' with market entry possibilities for fruit, vegetable, honey, meat and fish products.

The meeting also led to the establishment of technical cooperation agreements between Mexico's National Institute of Forestry, Livestock and Agriculture (INIFAP), the University of Tsukuba and the University of Tottori, the story reported.

Photo: www.comunicacion.senado.gob.mex

Source: www.freshfruitportal.com