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The announcement, made yesterday, not only opens up the Japanese market, which used to be worth 312million a year but also gives the industry a launching platform to move into the whole of South East Asia. Two export missions from BPEX and major British exporting companies visited Japan in the Spring and Autumn for a series of face-to-face meetings with officials and potential importers to help speed up the re-opening of the market.

Mr Houston said: “Our trade with Japan in pork used to be worth 312 million a year, a market well worth recovering.

“In that area of the world parts of the carcase which are not consumed, or even have a disposal cost in this country, can have a high value. So while the trade may not be huge it can add vital additional value to each pig carcase.

“At a time of increasing feed costs this could be a real shot-in-the-arm for the British pig industry.

“Final clearance for export of live pigs and pig genetics is still awaited, but I am confident this can be achieved in the near future. “The continuing closure of the Japanese market made it difficult for us to seek to open other South East Asian markets and this is now a strong possibility.

“I would like to thank the many Government officials who worked so hard to make sure everything was in place for the re-opening to happen.“ There has already been considerable interest among the processing companies in restarting pork exports and the first consignment is expected to leave this country before the end of the month.

Source: British Pig Executive - 9th December 2003