The General Administration of Customs of China announced yesterday that fresh blueberries from the Republic of Zambia, which meet the stipulated phytosanitary requirements, can be exported to China.

According to the announcement, only fresh blueberries from the Chisamba region in central Zambia will be allowed to enter China. Exports to China can be made by air or sea. However, considering the fact that Zambia is an inland country, most of its exports are shipped to foreign markets by sea from Cape Town in South Africa or Walvis Bay in Namibia.

Cold treatment requirements were also included in the ad. Fresh blueberries from Zambia destined for China

Although Zambia is within the tropics, its climate is relatively cool due to the high altitude, which makes the country very pleasant for human settlements and agricultural development. Taking advantage of key strengths like this climate, fertile lands and the third largest water resource on the African continent, two out of every three people in Zambia make a living from agriculture. In recent years, the growing trend within the country has witnessed a gradual shift from crops such as corn, soybeans, rice, wheat, cotton, sugar, and tobacco to higher-value products such as macadamia nuts, ground walnuts, avocados, blueberries. and chili peppers.

Zambia's agricultural potential has also attracted the global berry giants to invest extensively in the country. For example, OZblu, a world-renowned blueberry brand featuring a range of premium varieties, has selected Zambia as a crucial hub for its commercial production in Africa.

With regard to the bilateral relationship between Zambia and China, the African country attaches great importance to its collaboration with China, which is believed to benefit people on both sides. According to Zambian national media, in addition to blueberries, China is also very interested in importing lambs from Zambia.