The first carton of Chilean cherries for export began their voyage to China on 22 November. Chilean agriculture minister Antonio Walker was on hand to place the final crate on a container bound for a five-week journey.
“It's very exciting to seal off the first container that is going to China on a 35-day journey. For us, as a ministry, it's very exciting to signal the starting point, the initial kick-off, of this fruit season,” Walker told reporters in Requinoa, Chile.
He said Chile expects to export US$18bn in agricultural products this season.
Walker also said the nation is hoping to double agricultural exports over the next ten years to its 140+ trading partner countries.
Xinhua reported that China is Chile’s leading trading partner and one if its top markets for fresh fruit.
