Kyrgyzstan to begin exporting raspberries, tayberries and currants to China

Kyrgyzstan has opened a new route into the Chinese market for its raspberries, tayberries and currants, after securing export rights for the three types of berries.

Erlist Akunbekov, the minister responsible for water resources, agriculture and processing industry, said the access followed agreements signed during Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Kyrgyzstan. He urged farmers interested in exporting berries to contact the ministry, which said it would provide support.

Akunbekov said selling goods to China was easier than bringing products into the country because Chinese imports face strict requirements. Opening the market to Kyrgyz producers, he added, had required substantial work.

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

The country exported more than 5,300 tons of fresh berries in the first five months of this year. Russia and Kazakhstan were the main destinations before the new access to China.