Beijing Daily:
My question is about the price of pork. Recently, the price is rising quickly. So, what kind of measures has the Ministry of Commerce taken to stabilize the price and ensure supply? Thanks.
Qian Keming:
Indeed, as you say, the price of pork has been running high due to the African Swine fever and other factors. To ensure supply and stabilize the price, the Ministry of Commerce has worked with other departments to take a series of measures with many achievements.
We also expanded the import of pork and improved related policies. During the first eight months this year, we imported 1.164 million tons of pork, up 40.4% over the previous year. On top of that, we have expanded imports of alternatives to pork. During the first eight months this year, we imported 980,000 tons of beef, 265,000 tons of mutton and 493,000 tons of poultry meat, respectively up 53.6%, 16.6% and 50.7%.
Our efforts have yielded progress. Last week, the average trade price of pork dropped slightly compared to the previous week. Currently, according to the overall arrangements, all departments and local governments are moving forward with the work steadily and promoting resumption of the pork production capacity, improving imports and ensuring regulation of reserves. In the meanwhile, we increase the supply of beef, mutton and poultry meat to the market. Generally speaking, we have the confidence and abilities to ensure the supply of meat and stabilize the pork price. Thanks.
CNBC:
It's said the next round of China-U.S. trade negotiations will be held on October 10. Can the Ministry of Commerce confirm this? And will Vice Premier Liu He lead this delegation? Thank you.
Wang Shouwen:
Chinese Vice Premier Liu He will lead the Chinese delegation to visit Washington D.C. for the 13th round of the China-U.S. high-level economic and trade consultations in the week following the National Day holiday. China and the United States recently held vice ministerial-level trade talks in Washington, with constructive discussions on economic and trade issues of common concern. The two sides also exchanged views on the specific arrangement for the 13th round of China-U.S. high-level economic and trade consultations. China's standpoint on the consultations remains consistent and clear, and its principles have been repeatedly stressed. The two sides should seek solutions through equal dialogue on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, which is in line with the interests of both countries and their peoples, as well as the rest of the world.
