Citrus exports to China have started with 12 containers of oranges successfully landing in China while 34 are still in transit. According to Plant Quarantine Services Institute (PQSI) head Nhamo Mudada, the current exports of citrus to China via the Port of Durban were only for oranges. "The pilot phase of the citrus exports to China began in August with containers of oranges from the Beitbridge area being shipped via the Port of Durban. To date, we have issued phytosanitary certificates to export 46 containers of oranges to China with each container averaging 24 tons." Mudada said 12 of the containers were already in China while the other 34 are in transit.
He revealed that oranges and lemons were also exported to the Middle East while grapefruits and lemons were destined for Europe. "The country is also working on adding other products in high demand in China with the blueberry protocol still in the pipeline."
The country had already successfully exported 15 containers of lemons to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from the port of Beira since the start of the season. A major milestone was the export of a consignment of 15 containers to Jebel All (UAE) through Beira, the first such export in 25 years.
Source: herald.co.zw
