Agreement seeks to enhance technological exchanges as Australia continues lobbying efforts for access to China market
Avocados Australia signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the China Chamber of Commerce of Import & Export of Foodstuffs, Native Products & Animal By-Products at the recent China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, according to reporting from South China Morning Post.
The agreement between the two parties will seek to enhance cooperation and technological exchanges.
Avocados Australia chair Matthew Kleyn told South China Morning Post Australia expected to enter into a more sophisticated agreement after “hopefully” Australian apples were allowed into the Chinese market.
“But we’re [at the expo in Shanghai] to communicate with the importers who came to approach us in Australia,” he said.
Avocados Australia has been conducting a series of lobbying efforts since 2013, according to the report. In August, the industry body met with agriculture representatives from the southwestern province of Yunnan to discuss planting technology cooperation, trade collaboration and investment plans.
Li Yan, an official with Yunnan’s agriculture and village body, welcomed the investment. He said technological exchanges with Australia could strengthen the province’s avocado industry, boosting incomes for Chinese farmers.
“By setting up standards for facilities and modernising farmlands, it will help both sides to explore a new win-win cooperation model,” he said in a statement at the end of August.
In September, Australian Avocados won the Marketing Campaign of the Year Award at the Asia Fruit Awards presented by Asia Fruit Logistica and Asiafruit Magazine. CEO of Avocados Australia John Tyas said the accolade would help the trade body to “garner [the Australian government’s] support to negotiate for avocado market access to China”.
“When we have access to China, we will grow the market as we have done in other countries,” he said.
China’s avocado imports have increased dramatically in recent years, reaching 66,000 tonnes in 2023. This year saw South Africa make its first shipment of avocados to China, joining top supplier, Peru, as well as Chile and Kenya.
