OREANDA-NEWS. January 22, 2015. Chinese Deputy Agriculture Minister Niu Dun is in Estonia and has signed a cooperation agreement with the Estonian Ministry of Agriculture.

“Three main areas for the 2015-2016 action plan are food-related research and technology, food safety and trade,” Niu Dun said. Talks with Estonia have been fruitful and the Chinese market is open to Estonian goods as long as they pass inspection and are of high quality, he said.

Ivari Padar, the Estonian agriculture minister, said China has very stringent veterinarian checks. He said the export of dairy, meat and fish products is on the cards.

“China is the world's most populous nation and could be a far more important market for Estonian food produce. Some of our top products are yet to make it to their market and it will not be easy. Today's visit has much significance,” Padari said.

Estonian officials have been aiming for African and Asian markets after the Russian import ban came into force. Trade minister Anne Sulling is currently in Japan hoping to press dairy industry contracts.