China on Monday welcomed a decision made by the Commission of the European Union to lift a ban on importing poultry meat from China.
"This will be favorable for the further development of economic and trade relations between China and Europe and is in the interests of both sides," said Gao Yan, spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation (MOFTEC).
On May 25, the Commission of the European Union made an announcement officially lifting a ban on importing poultry meat from China, resuming imports of fresh frozen poultry meat from some areas of Shandong and Shanghai. It has also approved export registration of 14 poultry meat processing plants recommended by the Chinese side.
"The Chinese government welcomes the above-mentioned measures adopted by the Commission of the European Union," Gao said in a statement.
She said the Chinese government attaches great importance to trade relations with the European Union. And it is of great significance to strengthen Sino-European economic and trade cooperation under the current world economic situation.
The spokeswoman said agricultural products are in an important position in Sino-European trade and the Chinese side has always believed that raising hygienic standards for food are necessary for the sake of protecting the interests of consumers.
"The Chinese side is willing to strengthen cooperation with the European side in this area and create a favorable environment for the two sides to expand trade of agricultural products, so as to push the development of Sino-European economic and trade relations, " she said.
(xinhua 05/28/2001 )
