Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen signed a landmark trade protocol with his Chinese counterpart on 15 October. Minister Sun Meijun, in Shanghai, opened the Chinese market to five types of South African stone fruit for the first time.
According to the George Herald , the agreement allows exports of apricots, peaches, nectarines, plums and prunes. This marks the first time China has granted access for multiple stone fruit types from a single country under one deal.
Steenhuisen described the signing as historic , saying it represents years of collaboration between South African industry bodies and Chinese authorities. This protocol is a testament to the dedication of our farmers and exporters, whose quality produce continues to meet the world's highest standards, he said.