Step forward for horse export to China
The protocol for the live export of horses from the UK to China has been signed by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Owen Paterson, and Minister Zhi Shuping, of AQSIQ (Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine Administration).
Setting down the conditions under which horses can be exported to China, the protocol represents a significant step forward for all parts of the British horse industry. It was signed in London on 1 April and was followed by a dinner in Newmarket hosted by GBRi (Great British Racing International) on behalf of the racing industry. Attended by the Secretary of State and the Chinese ministerial delegation alongside key representatives from the equestrian sector, the dinner was followed the next morning by a visit to the gallops and Frankel at Banstead Manor Stud.
The protocol was developed following a visit by senior Chinese officials from AQSIQ with their DEFRA counterparts. The officials’ visit, jointly funded by the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) and the Thoroughbred Breeders Association, took place from 20 -27 March, and involved the inspection of UK animal health controls and visits to the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency’s centres in Weybridge and Carlisle.
Claire Williams, BETA executive director, said: “We have been developing trade in China over the last three years and this new protocol opens up a potentially lucrative market for a range of British bred horses, and sees the UK joining other EU nations that already have access to the rapidly growing Chinese market.
“During this time we have seen the number of imported horses rising from 8,000 in 2012 to 17,000 in 2013 and the market for a wide range of equestrian products has also expanded significantly. The market is at a crossroads and next on the agenda will be the developing of a similar protocol for horse feed and supplements, which will be handled by the same government ministry.
“Not only does it open the way for horse exports, it is also a significant step towards introducing equestrian equipment, facilities, expertise and knowledge to the market.”
Louise Kemble, chief executive of the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (TBA) and chairman of the British Horse Industry Confederation, added: “The export market for Thoroughbreds from Britain is currently valued at £118 million annually. While the opportunity for Thoroughbred trade with China is in its infancy, looking to the future the prospect of expanding this business meant that securing the export protocol was an essential first step for our members while also endorsing the findings of our Economic Impact Study.
“We will now work with DEFRA, China-Britain Business Council (CBBC) and trade partners to ensure that Britain is recognised as the leading source of equine expertise and we maximise business opportunities across the sector.”
Commenting on the protocol development, CBBC executive director Clair Urry said: “China is the fastest-growing market in the world. In the agriculture, food and drink sectors, where there are growing opportunities for UK business, bilateral agreements are often required to facilitate the opening of new export markets. Close collaboration between Defra and UK industry is essential to conclude these negotiations with Chinese partners.
“Not only do CBBC and our member companies work in partnership with Defra to ensure that the signing of such protocols is possible, but we support businesses to capitalise on these new export opportunities via our network of advisers based in 23 locations across the UK and China.”