The signing of the trade agreement took place at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation summit that was held between 4 to 6 September in Beijing. According to The Zimbabwe Mail, this was one of 17 agreements finalised between Pres Emmerson Mnangagwa and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the summit.
The newly signed ‘Phytosanitary requirements for export of Zimbabwean fresh avocados to China’ imposes strict regulations to control diseases and pests, which can be costly for farmers to implement.
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Zimbabwe now is the fourth African nation to meet China’s stringent requirements for avocado exports, together with Kenya Tanzania, and South Africa. China imports 66 000t of avocados annually, valued at approximately US$151 million (about R2,7 billion).
“The signing of this protocol delivers a significant opportunity for Zimbabwe to take advantage of the vast Chinese market. It will require strategic intent to meet the strict requirements of the Chinese market. Horticulture producers are ready to discuss investment requirements,” Nielsen said.
According to the Zimbabwean Avocado Growers’ Association, avocado production in Zimbabwe started in the late 1980s. The bulk of this is produced in the Chipinge district. Currently Zimbabwe exports avocados of the Hass variety to the UK and EU.
The country is also pursuing similar trade protocols for other high-value crops such as blueberries, pecans and macadamia nuts to expand its agricultural exports to China.
Zimbabwe expects a 6 000t harvest of avocados in 2024. The HDC said the volume of exports to China would depend on the terms outlined in the new protocol, particularly regarding sanitary and phytosanitary requirements, and the associated costs for exporters.
Last year, Zimbabwe for the first time exported oranges to China after signing a citrus protocol. The initial shipments were used to evaluate the most efficient export routes to the Asian market.
China is increasingly looking to diversify its sources of agricultural imports, reducing its reliance on traditional suppliers like the US, Europe and Latin America.
