Costa Rica to boost dairy exports to China

In addition to milk, other livestock products such as beef, cowhide and pork, have acquired the necessary licenses for export to the Chinese market.

According to Abraham, other products might also be exported, including citrus fruits and juices, and are awaiting export approval from Chinese authorities at the beginning of 2014.

"Some products have already begun to be exported, such as fishmeal and leather, and right now we are waiting for the signing of the protocols for several fish and poultry products," said the minister.

Abraham touted the quality of Costa Rican dairy products and the high possibility they will be successful among Chinese consumers, as such, it was an important opportunity for Dos Pinos to present its products at the 7th China-Latin America and the Caribbean Business Summit, held from Nov. 26 to 27 in San Jose.

Alvaro Piedra, Procomer trade promotion manager, said China imports dairy products from several countries, but the quality of Costa Rican milk could win a prominent share of the Chinese market.

"Procomer has been working with Dos Pinos to export different flavored milks, as well as butter to China. The chiefs of Dos Pinos have confirmed to us that they will send five more shipping containers this year to China, which we consider very important, because trade with China is on the rise," said Piedra.

Currently, the Dos Pinos cooperative exports dairy products to 15 countries around the world, including Singapore and Japan.