The China Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ) has been instrumental in fostering financial openness and innovation, benefiting foreign exporters with streamlined customs procedures. In March 2024, Zespri, a leading fruit company, marked a milestone by dispatching the world's first New Zealand kiwifruit charter ship to Shanghai. The shipment, consisting of over 460,000 boxes of kiwifruit, underwent customs clearance within a single day, enabling swift distribution to retailers. This expedited process underscores Shanghai's commitment to trade facilitation, vital for preserving the kiwifruit's freshness.
Ivan Kinsella, Zespri International's VP of Public Affairs for greater China, highlighted the efficiency of customs operations, "We already have very rapid clearance of our fruit, and last year we agreed a quarantine protocol between the two countries, which now means that the big majority of the kiwifruit that arrives actually clears customs the same day." The AEO status awarded to Zespri by Shanghai Customs further enhances this efficiency, offering benefits such as priority processing and reduced supervision.
Reflecting on the growth in trade with China, Kinsella noted, "Twenty or so years ago, the Chinese mainland only accounted for about 5 percent of our total trade, but now it's getting up around 25 percent." Shanghai customs have recognized 540 AEOs, contributing significantly to the city's trade volume. China's leadership in AEO mutual recognition agreements, covering 54 countries and regions, demonstrates its global commitment to trade facilitation.
Source: bastillepost.com