Zim, China agric protocol to drive avocado exports

Zimbabwe can, for the first time, export avocados to the lucrative Chinese market following the signing of a new agricultural protocol between the country and China at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing.

In a statement yesterday, the Horticultural Development Council (HDC) said the protocol presented the potential for avocado growers to expand their reach into one of the world’s largest avocado consumer markets.

“The signing of this protocol delivers a significant opportunity for Zimbabwe to take advantage of the vast Chinese market,” Linda Nielsen, HDC chief executive, said.

“This will require strategic intent to meet the strict requirements of the Chinese market.

“Horticulture producers are ready to discuss investment requirements.”

The agricultural protocol is among 17 agreements and Memorandums of Understanding(MoUs) signed covering various sectors that include agriculture, infrastructure development and mining.

These include the establishment of the Investment and Cooperation Working Group; Cooperation Plan on Synergising the Belt and Road Initiative with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030; Exchange of Cooperation in the Field of Economic Development and MoU on Establishing a Working Group on Unimpeded Trade.

President Mnangagwa and his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping, witnessed the signing of the agreements in Beijing, China, on Tuesday.

Zimbabwe is projected to produce a record 6 000 tonnes of avocados in 2024.

The HDC said the volume of exports to China would depend on the terms outlined in the new protocol, particularly sanitary and phytosanitary requirements, and the associated costs for exporters.

According to the council, the avocado industry plans to increase hectarage from the current 1 500ha to 4 000ha by 2030.

This growth is a critical component of the Horticulture Recovery and Growth Plan,which aims to develop the horticulture sector into a US$1 billion industry.

Reaching this target will require supportive policies that attract investment to ramp up production.

In addition to the signing of this protocol for avocados, HDC is proactively working with stakeholders to pursue similar protocols for blueberries, pecans and macadamia nuts for the Chinese market.

Expanding market access for Zimbabwean produce will benefit growers and reinforce the importance of horticulture in economic growth.

The 2024 Summit of the FOCAC has been described as a major diplomatic event that will not only gather Chinese and African leaders and representatives of relevant regional and international organisations, but will also bring together business executives, scholars and youths from both China and the continent to boost high-quality cooperation among the Global South.-herald