A significant trade agreement was inked on Monday, paving the way for Zambian macadamia nuts to enter the vast Chinese market. The deal, hailed as a major boost for Zambian agriculture, was signed by Chinese and Zambian officials, marking a new chapter in the economic relationship between the two nations.
The ceremony, attended by Charge d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy Wang Sheng and Zambian Agriculture Minister Mtolo Phiri, signaled a commitment from China to expand its agricultural imports from Zambia. Wang Sheng emphasized the agreement’s potential to “greatly benefit local farmers in the foreseeable future,” highlighting the strategic importance of this new trade avenue.
China’s appetite for Zambian agricultural products extends beyond macadamia nuts. Negotiations are already underway for the export of dry paprika and avocados, building upon previous agreements that opened the door for Zambian blueberries. “I am sure that before long, more high-quality agricultural products from this country will find their way to the Chinese market,” Wang Sheng stated, highlighting the growing confidence in Zambia’s agricultural export potential.
This agreement is a direct result of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation held in Beijing last September, where China pledged to grant zero-tariff treatment to all least developed countries with diplomatic ties, including Zambia, across 100 percent of tariff lines. Given China’s status as the world’s second-largest economy and its massive 1.4 billion population, this move presents a substantial market opportunity for Zambian producers.
Zambian Agriculture Minister Mtolo Phiri expressed his gratitude to China for opening its doors to Zambian nut exports. He acknowledged the stringent quality standards China maintains for agricultural imports, noting that this will drive Zambian farmers to “diversify its agricultural production and improve the quality of its products.”
The minister further emphasized the agreement’s reflection of Zambia’s commitment to fostering trade and investment, and solidifying its strategic partnership with China. This deal is expected to create new economic opportunities for Zambian farmers and contribute to the diversification of the country’s agricultural sector.
