Interview: Mexico, China can collaborate to improve agricultural practices -- Mexican minister

Both Mexico and China are committed to improving agriculture and can exchange their best agricultural experiences, Mexican Agricultural Minister Jose Calzada Rovirosa has said.

In an interview with Xinhua ahead of the 13th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity scheduled for Dec. 4-17 in Cancun, Mexico, the official said both countries excel in the use of organic fertilizers and the latest agricultural technologies.

Calzada Rovirosa indicated that looking after agricultural practices and its impact on biodiversity, such as the use of fertilizers and pesticides, is a must.

"We must be aware (of enviromental protection) in our daily lives and as intense producers. We want to increase the responsibility of our actions to benefit the environment," said the minister, while praising China's efforts in this area.

Calzada Rovirosa added that Mexico has been making notable advances in its protection of biodiversity and has internationally recognized institutions for the conservation of genetic materials from the country's main agricultural, livestock and fishery products.

He added that, of Mexico's over 26 million hectares of arable land, 22 million is currently being cultivated while the other 4 million is being reserved for recuperation and recovery by federal programs.

Another important step for Mexico is to increase its export of agricultural products to China, Calzada Rovirosa said, adding that Mexico is working to diversify its export basket to Asian markets, such as China, where it has recently begun exporting pork.

He said South Korea and the Arabian peninsula are particular priority export destinations.

"This is the first time Mexico has sent pork to China," he said, adding that since then, Mexico has also been exporting pork tripe and blueberries to the Asian giant.

"We are continuing this task independently of trade deals, because having sanitary certificates in place removes a barrier to exports," he said.

Prior to pork, China had already imported a large volume of avocados, berries and tequila. Endi