Bolivia began exporting chestnut to European markets via an alternative route through Brazil, so as to reduce the time it takes to transport the product there, the Northern Exporters' Chamber (Cadexnor) told Prensa Latina.
According to the president of Cadexnor, Agustin Vargas, the route includes the passage through the Bolivian cities of Riberalta and Guayaramerin, and the Brazilian of Porto Velho Manaus, an old route for rubber.
The sector made the decision to return to this route to confirm that the transport of the products to the Atlantic ports through Brazil takes between 40 and 45 days to reach the European market, while they take 70 to 75 days to arrive in the same destination through the reverse route, through Chile and the Pacific.
Vargas said that Cadexnor worked with the governments of both countries to be able to use that alternative route. "This route is normally occupied by Brazilians, and they have opened their doors for us to use it," he said.
According to the manager, the Andean country is the leading exporter of chestnuts since 1996 and in 2015 it achieved a record after making 200 million sales in Europe and South America, generating an average of 170 million dollars per year in exports.
Currently, Bolivia accounts for 80% of the international volumes, followed by Brazil, Peru, and Colombia, which together account for the remaining 20%.
The chestnut industry represents 75% of the economy of the northern Amazon region of Bolivia; however, production of this fruit is at risk due to climate change.
Source: marcotradenews.com