International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox has announced a major export deal for Aviagen during a visit to Thailand.
Following the lifting of the ban on British poultry, the genetics and breeding company will generate £40 million of extra exports over the next five years by exporting grandparent breeder day-old chicks and hatching eggs into the Thai market.
International Trade Secretary, Dr Liam Fox, said: “The UK’s trade with Thailand is growing steadily, but there is still huge untapped demand for British goods and services across the Thai economy, which is growing strongly and has a large middle class.
“The IMF predicts 90% of global growth in the coming years will come from outside the EU, and this government is putting the UK in a position to benefit.”
The Secretary of State met with members of The British Chamber of Commerce and Thai businesses to discuss how they can forge new links between the two countries.
The British Poultry Council welcomed Fox’s visit to Thailand. The UK is one of the largest exporters of high value genetic breeding stock. In 2017, British Poultry producers exported hatching eggs and day-old chicks worth £143 million.
Richard Griffiths, chief executive of British Poultry, said: “British Ppultry has been working in partnership with the Government to open new markets for trade across the world. We are delighted that our joint efforts have culminated in the International Trade Secretary’s visit to Thailand and the successful opening of trade that will bolster the UK as a world hub for high-value poultry genetics, drive efficiency and strengthen our supply chains.
“We look forward to continuing working the Department for International Trade to open more new markets for trade of poultry meat and breeding stock and to position ourselves as a world leading industry.
“The Secretary of State’s confidence in our sector is encouraging our farmers, breeders and producers to increase our productivity, invest in new technology, and deliver a sustainable, secure and trusted supply of British food for our customers here in the UK and the rest of the world.”