The Prince and Princess of Asturias witnessed the signing of an agreement that opens up the Chinese market to Spanish manufacturers of meat cured for at least 313 days. Although this means that many types of sausage and chorizo cannot be exported, the agreement opens the door for cured ham (jamón serrano or jamón ibérico).

A second agreement signed yesterday by representatives of the Chinese Communist party (PCCh) and the Spanish Export Institute (Icex) will enable Chinese inspectors the opportunity to see at first hand how Spain's health and education systems work, and, more importantly, to learn how the transition from a fascist dictatorship to a developed democratic society was achieved.

Under the terms of the four-year renewable agreement, 150 Chinese students will be given the opportunity to undertake a two-week training course in Spain each year, and 20 teachers and adminstrators will visit twice a year.

The cost of the scheme to the Spanish government, which will be responsible for covering tuition and accommodation costs, is estimated at between €3.5-4 million euros. For its part, the Chinese Communist party will meet travel costs.

The photo shows Prince Felipe, Princess Letizia and the general secretary of the Chinese Communist party, Li Chuannoing, toasting the signing of the agreement in Peking yesterday.

Leading nutrition expert recommends Serrano ham
By: thinkSPAIN
Saturday, October 29, 2005

Dr. Antonio Villarino, Professor of Nutrition at Madrid's Complutense University and vice-president of the Spanish Society of Diet and Food, said this week that Serrano ham (jamón serrano) is rich in B vitamins, which help combat cholestrol and cardiovascular diseases. Speaking at a press conference organised by the Jamón Serrano Foundation, Dr. Villarino said that Serrano ham is a very balanced nutrition source with acceptable protein levels and a relatively low fat content.

It is rich in vitamin B6 (piroxidine), which if eaten on a regular basis together with oleic acid, helps prevent cardiovascular diseases, according to recent research undertaken by the Molecular Biology and Biochemistry department of Granada University. Piroxidine also helps the liver, central nervous system and blood formation. Furthermore, recent research done at Hiroshima University in Japan indicates that diets rich in vitamin B6, complemented by adequate fat consumption, can help prevent the proliferation of cells which cause early stage colon cancer.

Serrano ham also contains; vitamin B3 (niacine), which provides energy, and is good for the skin and central nervous system, and vitamin B1 (thiamine), which is good for the brain and nerve cells. Dr. Villarino also pointed out that 100g of Serrano ham provides 24% of the required daily amount of these vitamins, and that it contains high levels of "hemo" iron, which is easily absorbed by the body, and zinc, which is fundamental to protect the immune system, and for promoting healthy growth and development in children and adolescents.