By Danai Alexaki

dalexaki@naftemporiki.gr

The Chinese market is close to opening up to Greek cherries, following 11 years of negotiations to remove phytosanitary barriers that have so far prevented their export to China.

According to a joint statement issued on Nov. 9 by Greece’s ministries of Foreign Affairs and Rural Development and Food, the official protocol is expected to open up new opportunities for Greek producers and exporters.

The development marks an important step in the ministry’s efforts, under Minister Margaritis Schinas, to open up new markets for Greek agricultural products and strengthen the international orientation of the primary sector. The aim is to give Greek produce greater access to international markets, creating more trading opportunities and improving income prospects for producers.

Years of negotiations

Agreement on the phytosanitary requirements was reached following years of technical negotiations between the competent authorities in Greece and China. The technical negotiations were concluded during Deputy Foreign Minister Harris Theocharis’s visit to China and his meetings with Chinese officials.

Greece first submitted its request in 2015, followed by successive rounds of negotiations between the Ministry of Rural Development and Food’s Directorate of Plant Production Protection and the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC).

Phytosanitary requirements agreed

The two sides have now reached agreement on the phytosanitary requirements governing exports of fresh Greek cherries. These are particularly stringent standards, providing for systematic inspections of orchards throughout the year, as well as specific measures to address diseases of concern to the Chinese authorities.

The requirements will be set out in detail in the official phytosanitary protocol to be signed by the two countries.

Once the protocol has been signed, interested Greek exporters will be able to apply for inclusion in a dedicated register and obtain the necessary approval from the Chinese authorities, enabling them to export Greek cherries to China.