(Yicai Global) Jan. 18 -- France's industry association for meat and livestock has held an event to mark the return of the country's beef exports to China after a 17-year ban.

China banned beef imports from the 13 European countries including France, the UK, France, Germany and Italy after an outbreak of mad cow disease in 2000.

The country showcased its first batch of French beef to be imported at the inaugural China International Import Expo last November. Two French companies have gained approvals for exporting beef to China, while another five have passed the governmental review stage and are expected to gain access to the market in the future.

As the world's second-largest beef importer, China is an important market for French beef. France plans to export thousands of tons of beef to China this year.

Inner Mongolia-based Kerchin Cattle Industry has inked a cooperation agreement with a French firm for the sale of Charolaise, Limousine and other beef varieties in China.

An expert French 'boucher' performs traditional beef-cutting techniques.