Riyadh: Meat from Šid leaves for Saudi Arabia in September

“Cooperation between the two countries is established at all levels, at the moment the most relevant is the Meat Export Agreement, which was preceded by a successful commission control of one of the slaughterhouses located in Šid – Srem Šid”, the Ambassador said for Tanjug and emphasised that a quick start of export of small livestock meat, primarily sheep meat, was expected.

The Ambassador said that the export of meat and small and large livestock was only the beginning of what was expected from cooperation in the field of agriculture and stock farming, and added that there was also room for the export of alfalfa.

“This market is the most interesting for us because it has a large population - 35 million inhabitants, good payment ability and in addition it includes the Gulf countries”, the Ambassador pointed out and added that, on the Saudi side, the state institution in charge of implementation of the agreement was SALIC, followed by the organisations of the Gulf countries, i.e. the Arabian Peninsula, including Yemen.

Ambassador Jusufspahić emphasised that the Agreement would also contribute to the condition of the cattle stock in the meat industry in Serbia.

“We are dealing here with the meat of small livestock, primarily sheep due to the culture and tradition closely connected to the Kurban and everything else, the sheep are served at the receptions, etc...”, said the Ambassador and emphasised that until now the Saudis have imported a significant number sheep from Syria, Egypt or Sudan, and as regards large livestock, Pakistan was attractive, as well as India, which are competitive due to the proximity and low prices.

The Ambassador expressed his expectations that it was the right moment that would improve the domestic cattle stock and help revive Serbian villages.

He added that the Saudis had a special plan for the development of agriculture, a critical area due to the strong sun and great droughts, leaving room for the possible contribution of our experts, as well as for the export of alfalfa, which Saudi Arabia imports in huge quantities. 

“The Saudis have a huge need for alfalfa, we have an opportunity for export in that field as well, which could also improve waterway transport on the Danube to the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, via the Suez Canal to the two most important Saudi ports, it would be very convenient and favourable,” said Ambassador Jusufspahić.

He also added that Serbia, apart from the fact that it was partly an agricultural country, also had other resources such as high technology and experts interesting for Saudi Arabia. 

Domestic Halal standards would contribute to all the above, he added.

“Until now, economic exchange, not counting the defence industry, was at a very low level. In the past five years, it has increased more than five times, and this will be a significant boost for our production and trade,” said Jusufspahić.

The Ambassador added that Saudi traders were very interested in meat from Serbia, that a group of Saudis was already in Serbia, and that he expected the first results and the meat to leave the Srem slaughterhouse in Šid during the next month.

The Agreement also covers the export of milk and milk products.

Source/Photo: Tanjug