Košarac: BiH Approved Pork Exports to North Macedonia

(Patria) - Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH Staša Košarac stated that BiH was today approved to export pork to North Macedonia, after vaccination against classical swine fever was discontinued in Republika Srpska and Brčko District.

Minister Košarac said that this decision followed the BiH Veterinary Office informing the Food and Veterinary Agency of North Macedonia that the vaccination of pigs against classical swine fever in Republika Srpska was discontinued on December 31 last year, and that the cessation of vaccination in Brčko District is expected on May 1 this year. The Macedonian side was also informed that a decision on discontinuing vaccination in the Federation of BiH would be made in the coming period, which BiH will inform North Macedonia about in a timely manner.

"I have asked the BiH Veterinary Office to proceed with zoning, on one hand for Republika Srpska and Brčko District, which have completed their part of the work, and on the other hand for the Federation of BiH, and to inform the competent agency in North Macedonia about the fulfilled conditions and request the export of pork from BiH, which was approved today. I am extremely encouraged by the fact that domestic businessmen will have the opportunity to place their goods on the Macedonian market, especially the realized production surpluses. I believe this opportunity will greatly facilitate their work," said Minister Košarac.

He expressed gratitude to the competent institutions at all levels of government in BiH, which have taken concrete steps to enable the export of pork to North Macedonia.

"Respecting constitutional competencies, I am in constant communication with the relevant entity ministers and other competent bodies. In the previous period, we worked in a coordinated manner on fulfilling the requests of the Macedonian side regarding pork exports, considering that this measure will help domestic businessmen in the new circumstances due to the spread of the coronavirus," stated Minister Košarac.

He noted that farmers from Republika Srpska will be able to export pork to North Macedonia starting today, and businessmen from Brčko District from May 1.

"Regarding exports from the Federation of BiH, I have asked the BiH Veterinary Office to resolve the issue of the emergency measures plan in coordination with the competent federal ministry within the next 15 days, so that farmers from this entity can also export pork to North Macedonia," emphasized Minister Košarac.