In Algiers, Endre Kardeván and his Algerian colleague, Chief Veterinarian Rachid Bougueddour, have agreed on the joint acceptance of animal health certificates for calves and beef cattle. This means the last obstacle impeding the export of Hungarian beef has now been removed.

The Hungarian State Secretary responsible for food safety travelled to the North African country in the interests of developing Hungarian-Algerian foreign trade in agriculture. During the meeting, an agreement may be reached regarding the fact that in future, grain, meat products, fruit and vegetables, milk powder, agricultural seeds, honey, paprika powder and several other Hungarian food commodities and processed products may be imported to Algeria.

The Hungarian State Secretary will also meet with the Algerian Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development on Tuesday afternoon. Rachid Benaissa visited Hungary recently during the 75th National Agriculture and Food Exhibition in October, and signed an agricultural cooperation agreement with Minister for Rural Development Sándor Fazekas.

According to the agreement, Hungary will now be able to export genetically valuable stock bulls and reproductive material to Algeria, in addition to which Hungarian experts will take part in the setting up of an demonstration and training centre, and in joint research programmes.

Algeria would like to significantly increase the country's level of poultry consumption. As a result, the Agriculture Ministry is planning large-scale projects. On the basis of the agreement signed in Budapest, Hungarian experts will help the modernisation and development of Algerian poultry farming. It is the determined goal of both countries, that commercial contacts and cooperation between the two countries' corporations intensify. On the basis of the agreement, Hungarian experts will supply forestry plans and share their experience to aid in the programme designed to protect and restore the natural environment of the capital city, Algiers. The document also includes the fact that Algeria has requested that model farms be fitted with water-saving and non-conventional irrigation equipment.

Endre Kardeván will be discussing the details of the agreement signed in Budapest with the Algerian Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development. Following these discussions, he will visit the National Artificial Insemination and Genetic Development Centre, the Animal Husbandry Engineering Institute, and the National Veterinary Institute.

(Press Office of the Ministry of Rural Development)