The gateway to the Singapore market opens for Lithuanian meat and eggs
Singapore's market should soon open up for Lithuanian meat and egg exporters & final details of future trade with this small but rich Southeast Asian country are being finalised.
The Ministry of Agriculture (MAA) says it sees the potential for bilateral trade and an opportunity for Lithuanian products to gain a foothold in this Asian region.
„This is an important step towards diversifying export markets for Lithuanian agriculture and food industry and strengthening Lithuania's position in the Southeast Asian region. At the same time, it is also a serious achievement as Singapore is one of the world's most stringent quality inspection countries," the ministry said in a commentary to BNS.
According to the MAF, the State Food and Veterinary Service is finalising with Singaporean experts the veterinary certificates and the official list of companies that can export, which will include the largest Lithuanian producers of poultry meat, eggs, and meat products.
It remains to be seen when the first products will start travelling to Singapore: „It depends on the speed of the paperwork and the willingness of the companies themselves to develop business relations with their partners in the country.“
According to the Ministry, the Singapore Food Agency granted the official import permit as early as November last year – the doors have been opened for Lithuanian poultry meat and products, eggs and their products, and canned beef, pork, sheepmeat, and goatmeat.
According to the MAF, the first three consignments of each company will be tested before reaching the market, and the Singaporean agency will also be able to inspect exporters in Lithuania at any time.
The ministry said it was not yet in a position to estimate the value of exports to Singapore, but said the potential was high.
„The value of trade will depend directly on how successful our companies are in securing commercial contracts, finding their place in the market and gaining consumer acceptance. But the potential is undeniable: Singapore imports most of its food products, and buyers appreciate the highest quality," the Ministry of Agriculture commented to BNS.
Singapore – a global hub for trade, transport, innovation and financial services, is seen by Lithuania as an important strategic partner in the Asia-Pacific region.
Also exported to Singapore are Lithuanian-made chemical products, electrical machinery and equipment, optics, photography, instrumentation, precision and medical products.
