Avocados Australia and the China Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Association (CIQA) have executed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to build capabilities toward technical market access for Australian avocados.
The MOU was signed by Avocados Australia Chair Brad Rodgers and CIQA President Wang Xin and witnessed by Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.
Avocados Australia, the industry’s top body, has prioritised increasing Australian avocado exports, with the CEO recognising the signing event as a significant achievement.
“Avocados Australia respects and values our relationship with our important Chinese stakeholders. This ceremony is an important next step in our market access journey,” Avocados Australia CEO John Tyas said.
CIQA is a non-profit organisation that aids in import and export inspection and quarantine, addressing technical barriers to trade agreements and market access issues.
The MOU facilitates market intelligence sharing, R&D framework development, and information sharing between China’s regulatory bodies and Avocados Australia, overcoming market access barriers and facilitating information exchange.
Several Chinese importers have expressed interest in Australian avocados, known for their quality. However, technical market access is crucial, and avocados are behind other commodities in negotiations, making avocados a key consideration.
Australian avocado production is expected to reach 170,000 tonnes per annum by 2026, ensuring a reliable supply of fresh avocados to overseas markets, as the industry is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
“I would like to thank all of the key stakeholders who have brought us to this point in our market access journey,” Tyas said.
Avocados Australia acknowledges the support of the Avocado market access and trade development (AV20004) project, funded by Hort Innovation using the Avocado research and development levy and Australian Government contributions, a grower-owned, not-for-profit corporation for Australian horticulture.
