Belgium Pushes for End to Japanese Pear Import Ban
Belgium’s Minister for the Economy, Employment and Agriculture, David Clarinval, has called on Japan to lift its 13-year ban on Belgian pear imports, emphasizing the need to resume negotiations between Belgium’s Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FAVV) and Japanese food safety authorities. Clarinval raised the matter during discussions in Tokyo with his Japanese counterpart, Shinjiro Koizumi, expressing optimism about advancing the dialogue, reports 24brussels.
The ban was imposed due to concerns over the potential introduction of invasive insect species through the fruit. Clarinval noted that Belgium exports approximately 230 million euros’ worth of agricultural products to Japan annually, highlighting the economic significance of the relationship.
Japan is Belgium’s third-largest trading partner
During his visit, Clarinval also participated in Belgian National Day celebrations at the World Expo in Osaka. He underscored Belgium’s economic strengths, pointing out that Japan ranks as Belgium’s third-largest trading partner in Asia and its second-largest investor outside Europe. The Belgian pavilion at the Expo showcases advancements in the country’s pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors.
In addition to the pear import discussions, Clarinval indicated that collaboration opportunities between Belgium and Japan extend beyond agriculture to include sectors such as energy, digital technologies, and defense.
Accompanying Clarinval in Tokyo are Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot and Digitalisation and Public Buildings Minister Vanessa Matz. The delegation is set to engage in bilateral meetings, including dialogues with state minister Yoshimasa Hayashi, who serves as the secretary-general for outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.