Finland to export fish products to China

The Chinese authorities have granted export permits to three new Finnish operators in the fisheries sector, said a government press release.

Operator-specific export approval from the Chinese authorities has now been granted to four Finnish producers of fish products.

The new producers to be approved are Kuusisen Kala Oy from Loviisa, Heimon Kala Oy from Renko and Ab Chipsters Food Oy from Kerava.

The first Chinese export permit for Finnish fish products was granted to Sastamala-based Kalaneuvos Oy in January 2019 in connection with an export promotion visit by the Finnish authorities and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

“This is great news and a welcome addition to our broadening export portfolio. After receiving the first approval, the permit process progressed very quickly this time around,” said Permanent Secretary Jaana Husu-Kallio of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

The export permit process was initiated as a joint effort of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the export team of the Finnish Food Authority (formerly the Finnish Food Safety Authority Evira).

The Finnish Food Authority sent the Chinese authorities detailed reports on the manufacturing of fish products in Finland, and the Chinese authorities also carried out inspections at the facilities.

“The approved permit applications are a good example of how years of long-term work on behalf of Finnish exports can benefit Finnish food production,” said Jenni Kiilholma, Head of the Export Section at the Finnish Food Authority.