One of Canada’s expected future free trade partners has reopened its ports to Canadian beef and cattle, offering a potential million-dollar export market.

Jordan, which in August 2008 concluded talks with Canada toward a free trade agreement, has decided to lift a ban it has had in place since Canada’s first domestic case of BSE was found in an Alberta cow in 2003.

“Reducing barriers to trade is more important than ever in these times of economic uncertainty and I welcome Jordan’s decision to open its doors to Canadian beef and cattle,” International Trade Minister Stockwell Day said in a release announcing Jordan’s decision.

“This represents an important milestone for our beef and cattle industry and it is also a very important step towards expanding overall trade relations between our two countries.”

The government quoted the Canadian Beef Export Federation as estimating new market access in Jordan could increase the value of Canadian beef exports up to $1 million.

The Canada/Jordan free trade agreement must undergo “detailed legal review” before it’s formally signed by both countries, the government said.