The Minister of Agricultural Development, Augusto Valderrama, described as a historic day the shipment of the first container, with 280 boneless pigs to the Republic of Nicaragua from the Coclé Meat processing plant, located in Las Tablas, Los Santos province, during the act the closure of the container.
Valderrama stressed that this is a small step, but a giant step forward and in the right direction, and that when observing the quality of this product, the leg and chop pieces have nothing to envy from any in the world, for which we are impressed and proud. to be Panamanian.
He added that President Laurentino Cortizo Cohen, after General Torrijos, has been the man who has defended, will defend, and will stand up for this agricultural sector. He added that the impossible must be done to continue advancing and generating wealth because the agricultural sector is not an economic problem, but a problem of national security and social stability in the country and if future governments do not support this sector, it will leave. to create chaos and the countryside will be impoverished.
For his part, José Antonio Halphen, owner of the Carnes de Coclé processing plant, said that this is a small but significant step with the first shipment of boneless export pork from the Republic of Panama to a foreign country like Nicaragua.
He explained that it is not easy to ensure that an export plant complies with international standards, with food safety, procedures, and certifications because they are becoming stricter and that the plant is up to date and they have the commitment as a company to keep it that way so that it can be used as a bridge to these cattle exports.
He stressed that they have been exporting meat for more than 35 years, passing through many markets such as Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, South America and very recently, the incursion of beef exports to the People’s Republic of China was achieved 4 and a half years ago. that it has become the second most important market for bovine meat and is the first largest importer of pork at this time and that the growth projections for the market.
He said that consumption in China, with a view to 2030, is to double its imports of both proteins, which is why they see great potential in exports, not only of beef but also of pork and other products.
Halphen stressed that the presence of the highest authorities of the agricultural sector in that act gives them a very clear message and signal that this government is very interested in supporting not only this region and the sector but also the export activity for what it felt very thankful.
The vice minister of MIDA, Alexis Pineda and the deputy Eric Broce, among other authorities, producers and special guests also participated in the event.
