The export protocol to ship fresh nectarines to China was the fifth of the twelve agreements signed during the visit of Chinese President, Xi Jinping, to Chile. The agreement was signed in the presence of the presidents of Chile and China by the Ministry of Agriculture, which was represented by Claudio Ternicier, and the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ), which was represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, Wang Yi.
President of the Association of Fruit Exporters of Chile AG (Asoex), Ronald Bown, said: "This is the culmination of the efforts made by the private and public sector for nearly three years. We've had a very important role as an industry, not only by being present in the negotiations, but also by traveling and promoting our nectarines so they can reach China in the shortest time possible. I think today's signature confirms this work, which was achieved in record time."
He then added: "Now we're only waiting upon a visit from Chinese inspectors, which we hope will take place as soon as possible. The Agriculture and Livestock Service and our Agricultural Attache in China, Carlos Parra, are working hard to expedite the visit. Hopefully, we'll be able to have them in the country by mid-December."
In turn, Carlos Parra, the Agricultural Attache of Chile in Beijing, said: "It is a very important moment for Chilean agriculture, because we've achieved this opening in just a few years. It's taken other countries three to nine years to achieve this. This shows that the People's Republic of China has confidence in our health system and the general condition of our production, which is very positive, because it opens a door for Chilean producers and exporters. We are now awaiting the visit of four Chinese inspectors, which we hope will come as soon as possible."
According to data from ODEPA, Chile accounts for 8% to 9% of global sales of nectarines and over 80% of the exports to supply the northern hemisphere countries.
The President of China was welcomed with cherries, blueberries, nectarines, and avocados
On Tuesday night, the Government of Chile held a state dinner in honor of the President of China, Xi Jinping, who is visiting the country accompanied by a large delegation. The dinner was held at the Patio de los Naranjos de La Moneda, and was attended by various authorities and representatives of the productive sectors, such as Ronald Bown, president of Asoex.
On the occasion, the guests ate Chilean dessert prepared with blueberries and cherries, as well as other dishes with avocados. These fruits were specially managed by Asoex.
"Asoex gave the President of China a gift box with Chilean cherries, blueberries, nectarines, and avocados so that he could be one of the first Chinese citizens to enjoy our fruits. We created special boxes for the occasion that had Chinese writing on them. The boxes were accompanied by a welcome letter from the president of Asoex," said Ignacio Caballero, assistant marketing manager at Asoex.
During the dinner the branded boxes with Chilean cherries, blueberries, avocados, and nectarines were exhibited to highlight the importance of these fruits in Chile and in China. "We also took this opportunity to thank the support of the Frusan, Hortifrut, Prize, Gesex, and Propal companies, as this would have been impossible to do without them," Caballero stated.
Source: Asoex