Li Changjiang, head of China's State Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ), treated a New Zealand delegation to Beijing roast duck Monday.

In a meeting with the delegation before the banquet, Li discussed with Jim Sutton, New Zealand Minister for Trade Negotiations and delegation leader, the technical problems concerning New Zealand's exports of timber to China.

The two sides exchanged views on cooperation in the areas of animal and plant quarantine, and technological barriers to trade.

Li also made a detailed introduction to the guests about the measures the Chinese government had taken against the spread of bird flu.

Li said all the poultry products in China had to undergo quarantine before being sent to market, and the government had strictly prohibited the sale of poultry products from bird flu-affected regions.

The banquet was held in the Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant in Qianmen Street, central Beijing, a restaurant well-known for its roast duck cuisine.

(Xinhua News Agency February 9, 2004)