A delegation from Paraná, led by Governor Carlos Massa Ratinho Junior, has invited the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA) of South Korea to visit the state to evaluate its slaughterhouses and pork production as part of the process to export pork to South Korea. The state, a major trading partner of South Korea in the food sector, has seen a doubling of exports to the country since 2019, reaching US$ 601 million in 2022. The delegation also discussed technological solutions for agriculture and education with South Korean startups.
Paraná is seeking to increase its pork production and add value to sales by obtaining approval from APQA, following international certifications received by the state in 2021 from the World Organization for Animal Health. This approval would allow Paraná's pig farmers to increase production, benefiting the entire production chain. The state is optimistic about the potential growth in pork sales to South Korea, especially given its history of free status from foot-and-mouth disease and classical swine fever.