OTTAWA – “I am pleased that the Chinese government has re-opened its borders to Alberta beef,” said Leon Benoit, Member of Parliament for Vegreville-Wainwright. “This is a huge step towards strengthening trade with China, which will have very beneficial impacts on Albertan cattle farmers.”

Benoit explained that the decision resulted from an agreement two weeks ago between Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Chinese President Hu Jintao, who visited Ottawa in conjunction with his trip to the G-20 summit in Toronto. Prime Minister Harper, Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and International Trade Minister Peter Van Loan witnessed the signing of a Cooperative Arrangement by President Hu on June 24.

“Premier Stelmach has worked hard with his counterparts in China to make this happen as well,” Benoit acknowledged.

China had previously closed its borders to Canadian beef following a following a case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE).
“The agreement allows staged market access to Chinese markets for Alberta beef and tallow,” Benoit said. “This historic agreement has made Canada the first BSE-affected country to resume trade in beef with China.”

“The economic impact of this agreement is enormous,” Benoit continued. “According to estimates released by the Canada Beef Export Federation, the Chinese market for beef and tallow products will be worth $110 million once full market access is achieved.”

“This agreement is a victory for Albertan cattle farmers,” Benoit concluded. “Alberta produces the best beef in the world, and we have the quality and safety that Chinese consumers want. I am pleased that China has recognized that Alberta beef is safe, and that we can resume mutually beneficial trade in beef with China.”