Following virtual inspections conducted by the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) last month, Zimbabwe is completing preparations to begin exporting fresh citrus to China, a senior government official said on Thursday.
According to John Bhasera, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Zimbabwe is currently drafting its post-inspection report following the inspections, which will be delivered to China in the coming days.
By answering questions resulting from virtual inspections conducted by China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC) in August, Zimbabwe is completing preparations to export citrus fruits to China, according to Bhasera.
Using orchard numbers rather than production unit codes to improve traceability, enhancing pest and disease management in the field and at pack houses to reduce infestation of harvested citrus, and clarifying the cold treatment of citrus destined for China, according to him, were some of the questions.
For the time being, he claimed, Zimbabwe plans to sell grapefruits, oranges, and lemons to China. Zimbabwe has the advantage of having favorable environmental conditions for growing inexpensive, delectable, and juicy citrus.
Additionally distinct from the domestic Chinese citrus market, which might fill a specific demand in the Chinese market, is the country’s marketing season.
ZimTrade, Zimbabwe’s trade promotion organization, has recently praised China for allowing the import of citrus fruits from Zimbabwe, claiming that this will assist Zimbabwe expand its export markets.
To meet the rising demand for citrus fruits around the world, the Zimbabwean government is currently concentrating on increasing horticultural production. A 30 million dollar horticulture export revolving fund was introduced by Zimbabwean Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube at the beginning of this month to assist farmers in increasing production.