Jacinda Ardern taken aback by unusual agriculture request involving sheep placenta

November 4, 2019

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Damien O’Connor were asked about the unusual product request at the East Asia Summit in Bangkok.

The Prime Minister appeared to have been taken aback at an unusual request for agricultural help during her bilateral with her Thailand counterpart overnight.

Jacinda Ardern is in Bangkok for the East Asia Summit where world leaders are gathering to discuss nuclear weapons, online extremism and the ongoing US-China trade war.

But there was something else on the agenda for Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, namely sheep's placenta.

In translated words from Mr Chan-o-cha, he said "New Zealand is a leader in this area [agriculture] as shown by it's products which have received renown around the world, such as kiwis, dairy products and sheep's placenta cream and we want to add value to our own agriculture products".

Ms Ardern is seen nodding and laughing at the statement.

Asked about the request by media after the meeting, Trade Minister Damien O'Connor said, "you'll obviously know I don't use it, but obviously it is a market opportunity and it's one more opportunity for the sheep industry".

Ms Ardern, who is only in Bangkok for about 36 hours for the summit, has packed in a gala dinner, a business speech, an important trade meeting and meetings with several world leaders.

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