According to an article by the Verband der Fleischwirtschaft the German industry is excited by the prospect of exporting into a Chinese meat market set to boom exponentially in the coming decade. But those who might be affected by these undertakings should pause for breath and clear their heads. The road to China is a long one.

Taiwei, general director of the Chinese General Administration of Quality supervision, Inspection and Quarantine has said that the hygiene and biosecurity situation must be fully investigated before any agreements can even hope to proceed.

The first air of caution is for any recurrence of foot and mouth in Germany, although the German veterinarians stressed that the pig population had recently been declared free of swine fever - as acknowledged by the international body, the OIE - adding that they are making further strides to eradicate the disease in the all of the wild hog population.

Secondly they must await the results of inspections on food safety, and finally undergo a thorough check of the practises employed by the German meat export companies. Dr Harstick of the VDF has invited representatives of the AQSIQ on a tour of the current German facilities so that they can witness the high standards that she speaks of for themselves. She also illustrated the method of production in the industry.

It is believed that a memorandum will be signed by both parties on the 26th of November that will boost confidence on the successful entry into the Chinese market. Chief Vet Jia Youling is then set to present the foot and mouth situation in China in a second meeting.

Will 2007 be the year of the golden pig for Germany as well?