The Colombian avocado industry is hopeful a Chinese delegation may visit the South American country later this year, with view to allowing access to the huge market.

Colombian Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Aurelio Iragorri Valencia recently met his Chinese counterpart Han Changfu in a trip to the Asian country.

During the visit the pair discussed the admission process for a number of agricultural products including Hass avocados.

There is reported to now be the strong possibility of Chinese experts visiting Colombia in the second half of 2016 to inspect farms and packing facilities, and carry out a pest risk analysis.

Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA) general manager Luis Humberto Martínez emphasized China would be a key market for Colombian avocado shippers.

"The ICA is working hard for Colombian agricultural products to arrive on Chinese consumers' tables, and we will fulfil the requisites of international markets and fortify Colombia's phytosanitary standards with inspection and control programs."

Minister Han Changfu has invited Colombian avocado producers and marketers to participate in the International Exhibition of Agricultural Products being held in China's Yunnan Province in November.

The Colombia delegation, which is due to leave China today, is being supported by the Colombian Embassy and trade promotion authority ProColombia in the Asian country.

Colombia's main avocado markets are currently the U.K., Germany and Finland.

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