Kyrgyzstan to Begin Exporting Raspberries and Blackcurrants to China

Kyrgyzstan is preparing to send raspberries and blackcurrants to China, opening a new market for the country's fruit growers under agreements signed during Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Kyrgyzstan.

Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry Minister Erlis Akunbekov said entering the Chinese market required significant work. He noted that Chinese authorities impose high requirements on imported products, making it easier to take goods out of China than to bring them into the country.

Akunbekov called on farmers interested in exporting fruit to contact the ministry, which promised to provide the necessary assistance. The initiative covers two products, raspberries and blackcurrants, as Kyrgyz producers seek access to the Chinese market.

Kyrgyzstan produces about 240,000 tons of fruit and berry products each year. The main producing regions are Issyk-Kul, Batken and Osh, while strawberries, raspberries, blackcurrants and cherries are among the most common crops.

In the first five months of the year, Kyrgyzstan exported more than 5,300 tons of fresh fruit. Russia and Kazakhstan were the main destinations.

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Opening this market for domestic producers is a major achievement.