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Interview: China, key partner for Argentina's agricultural sector

Xinhua, May 6, 2017 Adjust font size:

China is a key partner for the agricultural sector of Argentina, the third-largest economy of Latin America, as the country seeks to enter more international markets.

In an interview with Xinhua, Argentina's Secretary for Agricultural Markets, Marisa Bircher, spoke about her expectations about the upcoming SIAL China 2017, Asia's largest food innovation exhibition, to be held in Shanghai from May 17-19.

For this event, Argentina has been named the guest of honor, in celebration of the 45th anniversary of the establishing of diplomatic ties between both countries in 1972.

"Argentina will have a stand of over 400 square meters, at the disposal of a total of 60 countries who want to exhibit their products," said Bircher.

Bircher mentioned that the Argentinean delegation will present alcoholic beverages, dairy, baked goods, organic products, oils, frozen products, fruits and vegetables, gourmet products, grains and seeds, and poultry, among others.

"The challenge is to expand our exports and, at the same time, broaden the products being exported with added value. The idea is to reach the shelves of Chinese supermarkets," she added.

In its 2016 edition, SIAL was held in Paris, gathered 2,942 exhibitors from 67 countries and regions, while receiving 76,986 visitors.

China is Argentina's second-largest trading partner and the main importer of the country's agricultural products.

In 2014, both countries announced they would elevate bilateral relations to the level of comprehensive strategic partnership.

On Tuesday, Argentina's Agency of International Investments and Trade (AAICI) signed a deal with Chinese e-commerce giant, Alibaba, so that products from Argentinean small and medium enterprises (SMEs) could be sold on Alibaba's electronic platform.

"This is great news for small and medium companies in Argentina. It is a platform which will reach the Chinese consumer, which always seeks more quality," added Bircher.

She emphasized that "China is in line with the Argentinean government's agenda of integration with the world. The relation is very good. Furthermore, China has a huge market. It is a key partner for Argentina," she concluded. Endite