Story by Stanley James, Business Editor
ZIMBABWE and China have concluded a historic deal for the export of locally produced blueberries to the Asian economic giant.
The agreement was finalised during President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s visit to China this week, where he met President Xi Jinping during celebrations to mark 80 years since Japan’s defeat at the end of World War II.
Horticultural Development Council (HDC) Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Linda Neilsen, confirmed the latest development, saying it will further increase production and benefit producers.
“The agreement is a milestone for Zimbabwe’s horticulture sector. What is needed now is collaboration to design policies that increase investment, boost production to meet required volumes, and ensure that our blueberry value chains meet strict quality and phytosanitary standards. With the right support, our Zimbabwean growers can position the country as a reliable supplier to this important market,” she said.
Zimbabwe is seeking new horticulture produce markets to boost export receipts from the Chinese market.
“The sigining of the blueberry agreement between Zimbabwe and China is a major breakthrough it has taken many years of work through collaboration including the HDC, our goal has always been to open new markets and China has always been one of the world’s largest fruit markets, accordingly for Zimbabwe’s blueberry sector, the move will open growth opportunities for the farmers and reaffirms Zimbabwe’s position as a serious player in the berry export markets value chains,” Mrs Neilsen said.
According to the HDC, the global consumption for blueberries is on an upward trend, providing Zimbabwe with opportunities to ramp up production.
The blueberry deal builds on the Avocado Protocol signed in 2024, strengthening the horticultural sector’s role in economic development.
The sector’s ambition under the Horticulture Recovery and Growth Plan is to become a US$2 billion industry.
