Avocados from Zimbabwe can now be exported to the Chinese market for the first time after a new trade deal signed Tuesday at the Forum on China and Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing.
The protocol was one of 17 agreements signed between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Xi Jinping at the start of the FOCAC Summit. China recently opened up to Zimbabwean citrus, and is looking for more agriculture exports from Zimbabwe, according to a joint statement released by both countries after a meeting between the two leaders.
“The two sides agreed to sign the Protocol of Phytosanitary Requirements for Export of Zimbabwean Fresh Avocado to China. China welcomes more quality Zimbabwean agricultural products to enter the Chinese market,” the statement said.
Zimbabwe is the fourth African country to meet the strict Chinese requirements to export avocados to the country, alongside Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa. Linda Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer of HDC, said the protocol is a significant opportunity for Zimbabwe to take advantage of the vast Chinese market. Zimbabwe now needs to work at meeting the entry requirements, says Nielsen.
“This will require strategic intent to meet the strict requirements of the Chinese market. Horticulture producers are ready to discuss investment requirements,” she said.
Zimbabwe is pushing for similar protocols for blueberries, pecans, and macadamia nuts for the Chinese market, according to HDC.
China imports 66,000 tonnes of avocados every year, and the new agreement gives Zimbabwe access to a market worth US$151 million, according to ZimTrade. Zimbabwe is Africa’s fifth largest avocado producer, and expects to produce a record 6,000 tonnes of the fruit this year.
The “phytosanitary requirements for Export of Zimbabwean Fresh Avocado to China” impose tough rules to control diseases and pests. Meeting these regulations is often costly for farmers.
Last year, Zimbabwe debuted orange exports to China, after signing a citrus protocol. Growers used the first consignment of exports to assess the most efficient routes into China. The Asian economy is looking to diversify the source of its agricultural produce, cutting reliance on main suppliers such as the United States, Europe and Latin America.
In Beijing ahead of the summit, Chinese foreign vice-minister Chen Xiaodong said “agricultural modernisation” would be part of the meeting’s high-level discussions.
