GEN cherries

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.