SAO PAULO, March 12 (Reuters) - The Brazilian government

has said 38 additional meat plants have been cleared to sell

products to China in what it said was an historic move as both

countries celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations, according

to a statement on Tuesday.

China is the main destination for Brazilian exports of

beef, pork and chicken, the Brazilian government noted.

The Asian country imported 2.2 million metric tons of

meat valued at more than $8.2 billion from Brazil last year, the

statement said.

The 38 new licenses include eight export permits for chicken

slaughterhouses, 24 for cattle slaughterhouses, one for a beef

processing unit and five for chicken, pork and beef warehouses.

"This is an important moment for both sides," the Brazilian

government said, adding China will import products at

competitive prices while Brazil develops its own industry,

creating jobs and boosting the local economy. "It is a historic

day in the Brazil-China trade relationship, a historic day for

our agriculture," Agriculture Minister Carlos Favaro was quoted

as saying in a statement.

ABPA, a meat lobby representing pork and poultry

processors including BRF and JBS, welcomed

the decision.

The group said the last time China cleared a chicken

plant to export into the Asian country was five years ago.

"The outlook is good for Brazilian sales to the Asian

country thanks to the new licenses, especially considering new

business groups will have access to this important market for

the first time," ABPA's markets director Luis Rua said in a

statement.

The agriculture ministry said Brazil now has 144 meat

plants authorized to export to China, including the 38 new

permits announced Tuesday.