Zimbabwe, which has 4,000 hectares of citrus land welcomed China’s acceptance of fresh citrus imports from the country on Friday, saying the move will open new doors for agricultural trade.
“The industry is very optimistic about the opportunities that will arise from the protocol with China. We are now working with those that are registered and able to ensure compliance requirements are met in order to ensure a smooth first run of orders,” HDC Chief Executive Officer Linda Nielsen told Xinhua.
The General Administration of Customs of China published a list of registered Zimbabwean orchards and packing businesses that can export citrus to China on June 1, 2023. In Zimbabwe, 11 citrus plantations and six citrus packing businesses have been identified as being involved in citrus exports to China.
This comes after Zimbabwe and China inked a citrus agreement last year to allow Zimbabwean businesses to export citrus to China, one of Zimbabwe’s main export destinations.
Nielsen estimates that Zimbabwe will begin its first fresh citrus shipments to China later this month.
“The season is starting within the next two weeks, and will depend on orders received from China,” she said.
Nielsen stated that the HDC is now collaborating with the Plant Quarantine Services Institute on China Market entry for blueberries, avocados, and chilli, which will provide Zimbabwe with a significant competitive edge if it can go ahead of neighbouring nations.
Zimbabwe, which has 4,000 hectares of citrus land, offers a favourable environment for citrus cultivation.
Nielsen stated that inexpensive financing is now vital to ensuring producers raise production to satisfy China’s increasing demand.
