Since April 2013, there has been an agreement between the Belgian and Chinese authorities to the effect that horses raised in Belgium may be exported to China. It is important to know that, prior to this date, only horses bred in the Netherlands could be exported.
The equine breeding reputation of Belgium is renowned worldwide. At the last Olympic Games (in London) one horse in four in the jumps competition originated from Belgium.
Tuesday 26 November, the first batch of 15 were flown to China. This consignment was part of a contract constituting 135 horses to be delivered over three years. A great commercial success, which involved various agents (agriculture ministers, AFSCA, AWEX, breeder and broker associations, etc.) and which will surely lead to other contracts in the next few years.
Sources: l’Avenir, 27/11/2013
