Bosnia and Herzegovina has been enabled to import frozen red meat for processing from South America.
The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH stated that, together with representatives of the Veterinary Office of BiH, they have carried out a series of activities in the past period, thanks to which the import of meat has been enabled, at the request of meat processors from the Federation of BiH, and with the aim of opening an alternative market for the supply of frozen red meat for processing.
“Representatives of the meat processing industry from the Federation of BiH have asked us for help because they are faced with the problem of a lack of raw materials from the EU market. The obvious problems on the European market are the result of global disruptions, a decrease in livestock and the closure of farms in the EU, a lack of energy sources and the like, which has had an adverse effect on meat processors from the Federation of BiH,” said the relevant Minister Staša Košarac.
He emphasized that the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH and the Veterinary Office of BiH have worked intensively over the past two months to remove obstacles and create conditions for the unhindered import of frozen red meat from Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay, at the request of meat processors from the Federation of BiH.
“Last week, we completed all necessary procedures, so that certain jobs have already been contracted and implemented for the benefit of meat processors from the Federation of BiH. With this, we have made a significant step forward and enabled alternative markets, in order to reduce the negative effects of disruptions on the European market,” emphasized Košarac.
He emphasized that the Veterinary Office of BiH and other competent services carry out strict veterinary and sanitary controls when importing frozen red meat for processing, in terms of age control, where this type of raw material must not be older than six months, and quality, safety and microbiological safety.
“Faced with this, as well as all previous negative effects of disruptions in the EU market, we are firmly committed to continuing with the policy of opening new markets, because it is an opportunity for the domestic economic sector and improving overall foreign trade,” said Košarac.