Portugal is hoping to forge closer agricultural ties with Chile, following a visit by officials to the South American country where the possibility of reciprocal investments and greater two-way trade was discussed. 

The Chilean Fruit Exporters Association (ASOEX) hosted the recent visit from delegates of the Portuguese Ministry of Agriculture and Sea, who also offered Chilean exporters the use of the Iberian nation's southern Port of Sines.

"When I met up with the Chilean Ministry of Agriculture and we planned our trip, they recommended I visit ASOEX since they do very positive work for fruit exports from Chile, which I have seen myself in international trade fairs," Portuguese Minister of Agriculture and Sea, Assunção Cristas said.

"Today, I was able to deeply understand and visualize the possibility of increased Chilean exports that would complement our local supply, allowing our supply to be year-long."

Cristas added that there were currently two Portuguese agri-food companies in Chile - one producer of tomatoes and concentrated fruits and the other involved in wines, both of which have made significant investments in the country.

"The idea now is to look into the possibility of Chilean fruit companies also investing in Portugal," he said, highlighting good incentives for agricultural investment, such as a 17% reduction in First Category Tax.

Cristas said the area of Portugal in which he was promoting agricultural investment was in Alqueva, which has a large water supply capable of supporting the industry for up to four years without rain. He also said there was a good chance for Chilean fruit exporters to use the nearby Port of Sines as a gateway to Europe, which he said offered low prices for the sector.

"We also export to Chile, although our global imports are bigger than our exports. However, in the agricultural sector, we have a very balanced import and export situation with Chile. Chile is ranked as Portugal's 30th largest export market, and it is also the 30th largest as the origin of imports," he said.

In the meeting, ASOEX showed its guests the current state of the national fruit export industry, highlighting the fruit's quality and safety.

The meeting was headed by ASOEX president Ronald Bown, who was accompanied by the organization's general manager Miguel Canala-Echeverría, and general secretary Edmundo Araya.

"It is very gratifying to receive visitors such as Portugal's Minister of Agriculture and Sea, and show them our fruit export industry in greater depth, but they also offer a good opportunity to strengthen ties for the future, working together for the benefit of our sector," Bown said.

From September 2013 to August 2014, Chile shipped 623,715 metric tons (MT) of fresh fruit to Europe. Portugal was the eighth-largest receiving market, importing 14,200MT - a 15% increase on the previous season.

A meeting between ASOEX and Portuguese officials

Photo: www.shutterstock.com

www.freshfruitportal.com