*EPF104 05/03/2004
Text: Hong Kong Reopens Market to U.S. Poultry Exports
(Agriculture Secretary Veneman says USDA "very pleased" with decision) (300)

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman says the USDA is "very pleased" with Hong Kong's decision to reopen its market to U.S. poultry exports, effective immediately.

In a brief statement released on April 30, Secretary Veneman said, "We have worked very hard to provide full assurances to Hong Kong's scientists on the thorough mitigation measures taken to contain and eradicate avian influenza. We appreciate that Hong Kong bases its food safety standards on internationally accepted scientific principles."

Following is the text of Veneman's statement:

(begin text)

Agriculture Secretary
Ann M. Veneman
April 30, 2004

"We are very pleased with the decision by Hong Kong to reopen its market to U.S. poultry exports. Exports are important to the economic health and vitality of American poultry producers. Hong Kong is one of our largest markets, ranking third for U.S. poultry meat.

"We have worked very hard to provide full assurances to Hong Kong's scientists on the thorough mitigation measures taken to contain and eradicate avian influenza. We appreciate that Hong Kong bases its food safety standards on internationally accepted scientific principles.

"Hong Kong's purchases of poultry meat from the United States totaled $219 million in 2003. The United States provides over half of the poultry consumed in Hong Kong. Today's announcement marks an important step in our efforts to work with our trading partners to use sound science as a basis for establishing standards for human and animal health.

"Hong Kong will resume processing poultry meat imports from the United States as of today. The resumption does not apply to the state of Texas, but discussions will continue to ensure total access for U.S. poultry producers."

(end text)

(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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