The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry says Japan has lifted its ban on imports of South Korean poultry.

The ministry said Thursday that exports of South Korean chickens and ducks, which were crippled since the outbreak of bird flu in December, are showing signs of recovery. In late September, Hong Kong began importing South Korean poultry and Japan has now become the second country to reopen imports of chickens and ducks from South Korea.

A ministry official said prospects seem brighter for South Korea's poultry exports as Japan is South Korea's biggest poultry export market, followed by Hong Kong.

The ministry said the government is currently negotiating with other countries to resume exports.