Argentina sends first pears to mainland China
![Argentina sends first pears to mainland China Argentina sends first pears to mainland China](https://cdn.freshfruitportal.com/2020/01/News-shutterstock_356279348.jpg)
After years spent overcoming the bureaucratic challenges of market access, Argentina sent its first shipment of pears to the Chinese market on Monday from the Rio Negro port of San Antonio Este.
Agriculture Minister Carlos Casamiquela highlighted the importance of the exports, which were the result of phytosanitary approval from one of the world's most demanding countries.
In a release, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fishing (MinAgri) said the three containers weighed 63 metric tons (MT), with inspections carried out by the National Service for Agrifood Health and Quality's (Senasa) center in regional northern Patagonia, as well as China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ).
"This is a clear example of how public policy and the will of the government materialize in concrete actions that benefit the sector's growers," said secretary for Institutional Policy Coordination and Agricultural Emergency, Javier RodrÃguez.
"As we know, China is a strategic partner and a great importer of food with whom we've generated a very close relationship."
The ministry mentioned Argentina had achieved market openings for pears, apples, sorghum and sunflower seeds in 2014 and 2015, while meat and dairy plants were also approved for exports to China.
The entity also drew attention to China's approval for genetically modified corn and soya - Syngenta's MIR162 and Bayer CropScience's A5547-127 respectively.
In terms of other negotiations, discussions have progressed with Chinese authorities for potential allowance of honey, peas and table grapes, with inspection visits already carried out and reports for negotiating protocol signings.