SOUTH AFRICA TO EXPORT MEAT TO SAUDI ARABIA

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is set to become one of South Africa’s biggest export markets.

This comes after a deal was signed between the two countries. The deal sees local beef producers exporting between 500 and 1 000 tons of red meat to the Kingdom.

The new export deal is set to come into effect as early as next year.

Business Insider reports that the beef industry, which according to the South African Red Meat Producers’ Organisation, exports 4% of its beef production, will get a boost from the Saudi Arabian market entry.

Louw van Reenen, CEO of the Beefmaster Group said the news has been welcomed with open arms by the sector.

“We are very excited about the deal, and it could not have come at a better time. Besides unlocking new trade, it will also help us maintain job security in the sector over the next year.”

Officials from the country’s food and drug authority will be visiting local farms in South Africa to ensure the meat to be exported conform to meat standards and requirements there.

The meat deal isn’t the only deal that the two nations signed. Out of the 16 agreements are also renewable energy, industry, mining, tourism and logistic agreements.

Image credit: CNBC