For the first time after a three-year ban due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Tajik trucks crossed the border of China, according to the Ministry of Transport of the republic. China has lifted entry restrictions imposed as part of the fight against COVID-19, since January 8, 2023.
Since 2020, trucks have not been allowed into China and vice-versa. Containers with cargo were delivered to the border by Chinese transport, after which they were loaded onto Tajik trucks, Asia-Plus reports. “It took more time and money,” the Tajik transport department emphasizes.
FAO international consultant Bakhtiyor Abduvokhidov, in a commentary to EastFruit, called the admission of freight transport between Tajikistan and China “great news.”
“Having such a great neighbor, it is important to use such an opportunity wisely. From the point of view of fresh produce trade, relations between our countries are not developed: Tajikistan imported garlic a few years ago, and China imported cherries a few years ago. That’s all. The current situation with onions (when their prices are at a record high) may give Tajikistan the opportunity to import onions from China, because prices there are several times lower than in Tajikistan. China is a major producer and exporter of onions. Chinese supplies would ease the situation for Tajik consumers. Everyone is used to high-quality Chinese garlic, onions will also be in demand until the first harvest in April-May,” – the FAO international consultant says.
EastFruit experts also think that China could export more apples to Tajikistan, where prices for these fruits are usually much higher than in China and in countries of Eastern Europe. Presently good quality fresh apples are supplied to Tajikistan mostly from Iran, Moldova, Ukraine and Poland.
For more information: east-fruit.com