"Canada's New Government is pleased with Egypt's decision to lift its ban on Canadian breeding cattle," said Minister Strahl. "This announcement will create new opportunities for our livestock industry and will benefit both our countries as we move closer to fully normalizing beef and cattle trade."

After discussions between Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, His Excellency Amin Mohamad Osman Abazan, Canadian and Egyptian officials, and representatives of the Canadian genetics sector, Egypt has lifted restrictions on the importation of certain Canadian breeding and other cattle. In addition to access for Canadian breeding cattle, the export certificate will extend to sheep and goats from Canada.

"Regaining access to the Egyptian market for live Canadian breeding cattle is important for both countries," said Rick McRonald, Executive Director of the Canadian Livestock Genetics Association. "Egypt requires high-quality breeding stock and Canadian producers are eager to supply this demand."

Following an Egyptian Halal mission to Canada in July 2006, Egypt opened its market to trade in under 30 months (UTM) boneless beef from Canada in September 2006.

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