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A NEW agreement between the Scottish and Chinese governments will allow Scottish salmon exports into China for the first time, it was announced today.
Chinese demand for salmon and salmon products from around the world is already large - more than 150 per cent of the total Scottish output. Demand for Atlantic salmon is expanding fast, up by 42 per cent in 2009 to 8,000 tonnes. Norway has supplied most of this demand, celebrating the export of its 10 millionth salmon to China at the end of last year.
The agreement is for the Chinese food safety agency known as AQSIQ to approve a range of Scottish products. Scotland's fish farming industry already supports 6,000 jobs in Scotland worth £500 million to the economy, with exports worth nearly £300 million.
Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "This is a very welcome announcement from China that will boost sales of a top quality and sought after Scottish seafood product.
"It will further strengthen an already successful business sector which has positively weathered the economic downturn. Last year alone, 234 new jobs were created in the salmon industry and £29.5m of capital was invested in 2009."
First Minister Alex Salmond said: "It's great news. It's something that was confirmed to me by Vice-Premier Li in our talks on Sunday and that is that the Chinese market is open for Scottish salmon. And as the vice-premier was pointing out as he enjoyed our marvellous product, he was pointing out that even if 1 per cent of the people of China decide to take the opportunity to eat Scottish salmon, then we'll have to double production in Scotland."
Phil Thomas, chairman of the Scottish Salmon Producers Association said the new market followed investment, helping 'to ensure a bright future for a sector that is vital to the Scottish economy'.
Jim Gallagher, of Scottish Sea Farms Ltd, added: "China is a major potential market with a significant number of discerning customers who I believe will appreciate the premium quality of our Scottish salmon. This new export opportunity is a welcome addition to the global markets in which we operate."
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