South Africa will begin exporting beef alongside other red meat products to Saudi Arabia, as early as next year.

The announcement was made on Monday after President Ramaphosa visited the country alongside Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Toko Didiza as part of an investment promotion. “Under this deal, Saudi Arabia is expected to order between 500 and 1,000 tonnes of beef per year, making it one of South Africa’s largest beef export markets to date. We congratulate the government for its swift action to open up the market to the country,” said Lou Van Leenen, CEO of Beefmaster Group.

Company representatives accompanied the South African delegation to Saudi Arabia as government guests. Van Reenen said the deal is very positive for the local beef sector, especially given the many challenges facing the industry this year following the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak and the uncertain economic backdrop.

“We are very excited about this deal and the timing could not have been better. Not only will it generate new business, but it will also help maintain job security in the industry for the year ahead.” said Louw van Reenen, CEO of Beefmaster Group. “Not only will it generate new business, but it will also help maintain job security in the industry for the year ahead,” said Van Reenen.

Beefmaster already exports its products to other countries in the region, such as the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar. Van Reenen said there is still work to be done before trade between the two countries can officially begin.

“Saudi Food and Drug Administration visited the South African manufacturers to ensure products meet stringent specifications. We look forward to welcoming representatives to our facilities in Kimberley and Christiana before the end of 2022.” ”said van Reenen.

Total trade between the two countries in 2021 was R66 billion.

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Source: timeslive