Mexico: Japan interested in Guanajuato's agriculture
During the opening of the twentieth edition of Agrifood Expo Irapuato 2015, Governor Miguel Marquez Marquez stated that Asian countries, such as Japan, were interested in the farm products produced by the state.
"They need to purchase our field products, pigs, beef, and especially berries (...) now, after the signing of the TPP, there will be a much more interesting framework to offer our products. It is time to understand the market," he said.
Meanwhile, Roldofo Gonzalez, representative of Guanajuato in Japan, highlighted the existing link between Japan and Guanajuato, as the state currently exports about 8 million dollars in produce to that Asian country.
"Japan is importing many Mexican products, such as mangoes, limes, grapes, beef, pork, blueberries, among others. The state of Guanajuato is exporting asparagus, broccoli, frozen fruits and vegetables, and sesame there. There is a lot of potential," he added.
González also highlighted the visit of two Japanese journalists, Hironori Ozawa, from The Japan Food Journal , and Isao Yoshizawa, from The Food & Beverage Journal, who were in the state to meet with different producers and promote the potential of Guanajuato in the agricultural sector.
Yesterday, the director of Economic Development of Irapuato, Fernando Vera Noble, said that last week 12 Japanese companies had visited the Municipality because they might start working there in 2016.
Japan is interested in the State's field
The government of the state of Guanajuato invited Isao Yoshizawa, from the The Food & Beverage Journal in Japan; and Mr. Hironori Ozawa, a reporter of The Japan Food Journal, which is a leading specialist in food press in Japan, to visit Expo Agroalimentaria 2015 and to stay for a week so they could meet different producers and Guanajuato ambassadors to promote the state's potential to export to Japan, as this country is one of the largest global food importers.
Rodolfo Gonzalez, a representative of the state of Guanajuato in Japan, accompanied the Japanese as they toured the stands.
The Japanese market is well known for its high demands on quality, many of these Mexican products are coming to Japan.
Mexico is the leading exporter of mango, lime, and table grapes. The country also exports beef, pork, and blueberries. The state of Guanajuato exports asparagus, broccoli, frozen fruits and vegetables and sesame.
The link between Japan and Guanajuato is very important. According to Rodolfo Gonzalez, food exports so far this year amount to $ 8 million dollars, which represents a great opportunity for producers to open new markets.
Guanajuato is looking to bring more Japanese companies to the state. Toyota will open a plant in the state pretty soon, but the government wants the Japanese not only to participate in the automotive sector, but also in the touristic, service, and education sectors.
The Japanese community in Guanajuato fluctuates. According to the Japanese embassy in Mexico, a few months ago there were 2,000 Japanese in the state.
Source: am.com.mx