<p>Ministers have not had discussions with either the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development in the Northern Ireland Executive or the pork industry in Northern Ireland regarding the export of pork from Northern Ireland to China, Russia and Australia. However representatives of the Northern Ireland industry are members of the UK Export Certification Partnership, a joint government and industry forum that discusses, prioritises and progresses market access negotiations to non EU markets. DEFRA officials work closely with colleagues in the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. DEFRA negotiates market access on behalf of the United Kingdom by providing assurances that animal health and food safety controls are applied consistently across the country.</p><p>We are currently progressing negotiations to increase the number of establishments approved for the export of pork to these destinations, including establishments in Northern Ireland. The Government's strategy for increasing food and drink exports to non EU markets is outlined in the Export Action Plan. Throughout the year ministers take the opportunity to discuss trade issues with all UK exporters, including those from Northern Ireland, at national and international trade events.</p>