daniel chigunwe
Business Writer
The signing of the new protocol allowing Zimbabwean avocados to enter the Chinese market is a significant breakthrough for the country’s horticulture sector, ZimTrade chief executive officer Allan Majuru has said.
Zimbabwe and China agreed to sign the Protocol of Phytosanitary Requirements for Export of Zimbabwean Fresh Avocado to China, according to a joint statement released by both countries.
“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,” reads the statement in part.
Majuru, who is in Beijing, China attending the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit said the development “is a testament to the strong economic ties Zimbabwe is building with China and the strategic efforts of President Mnangagwa’s administration to expand the country’s footprint in major international markets”.
“Currently, our trade with China is largely based on commodities such as tobacco, and minerals. While these remain important, unlocking access for avocados marks a crucial step in diversifying our export portfolio,” Majuru said.
He added that the Chinese market, with its vast population and increasing demand for healthy foods, “presents an exciting opportunity for Zimbabwean farmers to grow their businesses and increase the value of our exports”.
ZimTrade is the country’s national trade development and promotion organisation and last year organised an oversubscribed Zimbabwe-China Business Forum.
Meanwhile, the Horticultural Development Council (HDC) has expressed its enthusiasm for the new protocol, which paves the way for Zimbabwean avocados to enter the Chinese market.
Linda Nielsen, CEO of HDC, emphasised the strategic importance of this development: “This protocol offers a remarkable opportunity for Zimbabwe to capitalise on the vast Chinese market. However, it will require meticulous adherence to the strict requirements of Chinese standards.”
Zimbabwe is poised to harvest a record 6 000 tonnes of avocados in 2024. The volume of exports to China will depend on the specific terms outlined in the protocol, including sanitary and phytosanitary regulations and associated costs for exporters.
The avocado industry in Zimbabwe is actively expanding, with plans to increase hectarage from the current 1,500 hectares to 4 000 hectares by 2030.
This growth aligns with the Horticulture Recovery and Growth Plan, which aims to transform the horticulture sector into a US$1 billion industry.
Achieving this target will necessitate supportive policies that attract investment and stimulate production. Beyond avocados, HDC is actively working to secure similar protocols for blueberries, pecans, and macadamia nuts to be exported to China.
Expanding market access for Zimbabwean produce will not only benefit growers but also bolster the country’s economic growth.
The expected export of avocados to China comes just a year after the two countries signed a citrus protocol to give Zimbabwean companies access to export citrus to China, one of Zimbabwe’s top export destinations.
A total of 11 citrus orchards and six citrus pack houses in Zimbabwe were chosen to be involved in citrus exports to China.
Bongani Ndlovu