Gerd Mueller, the German parliamentary undersecretary of state in the Federal Ministry for nutrition, agriculture and consumer protection, announced this week that China had lifted its ban on German pig meat exports and had reached an agreement with the German government over the safety of products.

The ban had been imposed because of Chinese concerns over Classical Swine Fever in Germany.

But in December China and Germany signed a veterinary agreement, which freed the way to reopening the pig meat trade.

Dr Mueller said: "We are very pleased about this breakthrough and now the market will be reopened without any bureaucratic delays."

He said the swift reopening of the market was thanks to the way mutual trade relations had been rebuilt.

He said he hoped to see the Chinese delegation at the Green Week exhibition in Berlin where he hoped further successful trade agreements could be reached.