Mediaboss Marketing

New Zealand has inked an agreement with Iran paving the way for the resumption of meat exports to the second-biggest economy in the Middle East and North Africa region.

The Iranian Veterinary Organisation and the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries agreed to a meat arrangement which provides the conditions for chilled and frozen sheep and beef exports to resume with Iran, Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guysays.

New Zealand meat exports to Iran failed to pick up following the lifting of sanctions last year because of Iranian requirements for one of its vets and a mullah to be present at the time of processing, while New Zealand meat exporters rely on halal standards overseen by the Ministry for Primary Industries.

The Iranian requirement for an official to oversee the processing of all product exported to Iran was difficult for New Zealand meat processors to comply with because they divide animals into a range of cuts for distribution to specific global markets.

"This is a crucial step for New Zealand meat companies as they look to re-enter the Iranian market," Mr Guy says.

Meat is New Zealand's second-biggest commodity export after dairyand was worth $5.92 billion in 2016.

The ministers also discussed an action plan for agricultural co-operation in the year ahead, Mr Guy says.

The two countries are also working on kiwifruit opportunities in Iran, where import restrictions prevent New Zealand from selling the country's most valuable fresh fruit export.

New Zealand kiwifruit marketer Zespri International and Iran's Ministry of Agriculture signed a statement of intent outlining undertakings to further explore commercial opportunities in Iran.

Iran has well-established kiwifruit orchards and supply chains and produces the fruit in New Zealand's off-season, Mr Guy says.

Along with other Western countries, New Zealand lifted sanctions against Iran in February last year after the country agreed to roll back its nuclear ambitions

(BusinessDesk)

Read more:
Agreements signed with Iran on meat exports, kiwifruit opportunities - The National Business Review