Despite an environment of economic and commercial uncertainty as a result of the pandemic, Colombia continues the path of diversification of its exports and its insertion in Asia. Under the implementation of the sanitary diplomacy strategy and the verification of the Colombian Agricultural Institute - ICA, led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, 23 tons will depart from the most important port in the Colombian Pacific on Thursday, May 28, for China , a market that has become the main interest of producers and exporters in the Colombian agricultural sector.

The head of the agricultural portfolio recalled that on July 31, 2019, on an official state visit, the phytosanitary protocol was signed that granted access to the production of Colombian hass avocado. "President Iván Duque has asked us not to rest in the process of taking advantage of the opportunities opened within the framework of the health diplomacy strategy and we will continue to do so in coordination with the Ministry of Commerce, ICA and Procolombia," said the minister. Rodolfo Zea.

In 2019, Colombia exported 44,570 tons to the world, which represented a growth of 48% compared to 2018 and in terms of value, exports reached USD $ 89.1 million, representing a growth of 42%. For its part, China was the 10th importer worldwide and with this export, the country already has access to the top 10 importers and in turn reports export figures.

Exports are carried out by the company Cartama (Avofruits) located in the department of Risaralda that has more than 15 years of experience in the productive and commercial development of the hass avocado crop in Colombia and participates with about 20% of total exports of the country. For its part, the ICA will carry out the phytosanitary inspection of the packing plant between May 25 and 26 in order to guarantee compliance with the work plans signed between Colombia and China.

"The productive activity has not stopped since the declaration of sanitary emergency guaranteeing the supply and food security of Colombians, but also maintains an important dynamic in international trade," said the Minister of Agriculture "Avocado exports to May 15 they reach 26,000 tons and a growth of 36% so far this year. It is very satisfying for us to say that during the first 15 days of May the dynamics are maintained and compared to the same 15 days last year the increase in exports reached 140% "emphasized.

In addition, the minister ended by saying: "avocado exports are not the only ones that show a positive dynamic. Banana exports so far this year have grown in volume by 22%, tahiti lemon by 9%, pineapple above 700%, standing cattle 270% and beef resumed its growth path after the recovery of the status of FMD free country with vaccination".

Today more than ever the importance of the agricultural sector is reaffirmed as a structural axis not only of food security but also as a sector that will help repower and recover the economy highly affected by the pandemic.