“Following consultation with key stakeholders and our enterprise agencies, I am unveiling a package of measures to support this vital coastal industry to seek alternative markets.
“This includes providing funding for businesses to attend key international trade shows, access to a bespoke ‘showcasing Scotland’ space at these shows, and the facilitation of meet the buyer events, including supporting an inward mission to Scotland for international buyers. The aim is to create more export opportunities to more countries.
“Many of the affected businesses diversified into the Chinese market due to the uncertainties around Brexit and future access to the EU market. It is only right therefore that we seek to support them through this very challenging time, as we continue to work to find a resolution.”
Background
Chinese standards and testing regime differs from the EU regulations. EU regulations only cover ‘white meat’ which is the main edible element for consumers – however the law in China covers all edible parts including brown meat which contains higher levels of cadmium.