The Ministry of Agriculture has for the first time approved the importation of male cattle from the United States and the European Union, according to officials of the state-run Veterinary Services Authority (VSA).
“The decision comes in line with government efforts to bring down meat prices on the local market,” said VSA Director Mohamed al-Garhi.
“Imports will be restricted to male cows at this stage,” he explained. “The import of female cows will be discussed at a later stage.”
According to one local meat expert who preferred anonymity, however, the decision will favor what he described as Egypt's “meat mafia,” which will be able to generate "astronomical profits" as a consequence of the move.
Translated from the Arabic Edition.
