New Zealand kiwifruit, originally from China, traversed the Pacific over a century ago, marking the beginning of its global journey. Zespri, a major player in the kiwifruit industry, is intensifying its operations within China, aiming to bolster its export capabilities in response to the growing demand. Presently, Zespri has established a presence in over 60 Chinese cities, with plans to expand to 120 cities within the next five years, reflecting the strengthening economic and trade relations between New Zealand and China.
The enhancement of China's customs clearance process has facilitated quicker access for kiwifruit into the Chinese market. Notably, Shanghai Nangang port, a frequent docking point for Zespri's shipments, benefits from Yangshan customs' efficient clearance protocols, including pre-arrival declaration. These measures, supported by round-the-clock supervision by customs officers, ensure the smooth clearance of goods.
The enactment of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) on January 1, 2022, featuring 15 countries including China and New Zealand, underscores the growing interconnectivity of regional markets and the emphasis on economic integration. This agreement further enhances the prospects for the kiwifruit trade between China and New Zealand, amidst the backdrop of China being the world's largest kiwifruit producer and New Zealand the largest exporter.
With China producing over 2 million tons of kiwifruit annually and New Zealand focusing on high-quality kiwifruit production with an output of approximately 700,000 tons, there lies a potential for increased collaboration in research and innovation to meet the Chinese market's demand for premium kiwifruit.
Source: english.news.cn