Chilean authorities in China have signed the final protocol allowing avocado exports into the Asian country.

The Agricultural Attache of the Chilean Embassy in China Alvaro Aspee, and the China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) deputy director Chen Hongjun, signed the document on July 7 in Beijing.

Chilean Fruit Exporters Association (ASOEX) president Ronald Bown told www.freshfruitportal.com the signing was being treated as the initialization of the document and would be formally signed by Chilean Agriculture Minister Carlos Furche during his visit to China in early September.

"The signing of this initial protocol is very good news for the industry," Bown said.

The ASOEX representative explained the initial protocol for Chilean avocado exports to China was a result of joint efforts between the Chilean public and private sectors, represented by the Ministry of Agriculture, the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) and the Chilean Embassy in China.

"As an industry we thank the support of the authorities, especially the Ministry of Agriculture, who supported us at all times in our desire to open up China as a new market destination for Chilean avocados."

Furche also expressed his delight at the new market opportunities for the country's growers.

"This positive news is the result of joint work by the Ministry of Agriculture and the private sector in search of better opportunities, greater competitiveness and new markets for our producers and exporters work," Furche said.

Now all that remains is for the protocols to be signed by the agricultural ministries from both nations to make the agreement official, although avocado exports can begin from the date shown on the initial document.

The protocol will last for two years and states that the Chilean avocados must come from production areas free of fruit flies and meet Chinese phytosanitary regulations.

A Chinese industry source told www.freshfruitportal.com that Chile must provide a recommended list of orchards and packing plants, and that China should make an initial inspection before exports commence.

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