After two years of negotiations, Chinese authorities have opened their markets to razor clams imported from the Netherlands, the Dutch economic affairs ministry said on Monday.

Razor clams are considered a delicacy in China and the Netherlands is now one of the few countries which can export the shellfish to the Asian market. The value of the export is put at an initial €7m a year.

The Netherlands received permission to export the razor clams to China not only because of the high quality of the product, but also because of the Dutch inspection authority NVWA which is recognised internationally. Until now Dutch razor clams were exported mainly to Italy and Spain.

Razor clams are found on the Delta region of Zeeland province and to the north of the Wadden sea. Regulations ensure the annual catch is sustainable, the ministry said.