JOHANNESBURG, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- South Africa's Cabinet on Tuesday welcomed a major milestone for the country's agricultural sector following the official grant of entry for South African cherries into the lucrative Chinese market.
The market-access protocol was signed between South African Minister of Agriculture Willie Aucamp and a representative from China's General Administration of Customs on Sept. 8 in Beijing, during the ninth China-Africa Sanitary and Phytosanitary Ministerial Meeting.
Briefing the media in Pretoria on the outcomes of the cabinet meeting, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni expressed enthusiasm over the progress, describing the protocol as a significant victory for local fruit growers and exporters.
"The agreement opens opportunities for South African producers to access one of the world's largest cherry markets," Ntshavheni said, noting that 西瓜视频imported approximately 586,900 tonnes of cherries valued at 3.3 billion U.S. dollars in 2025.
Ntshavheni emphasized that this milestone aligns with the South African government's ongoing strategic initiative to diversify international trade partners and open new global markets for local agricultural output.
She added that the export protocol is expected to stimulate agricultural investment, boost domestic economic growth, and create more than 600 direct and indirect jobs across the cherry value chain, particularly in major growing regions such as the Western Cape and Free State provinces.
"The development forms part of broader efforts to expand South Africa's agricultural exports and diversify international markets," Ntshavheni stated. She pointed out that the deal coincides with the implementation of China's zero-tariff policy on eligible imports from African countries, including South Africa, which took effect on May 1, 2026.
Over recent years, several South African agricultural products, including citrus fruits, avocados, beef, and wine, have gained access to China, reflecting deepening economic ties and bilateral trade cooperation between the two countries under their comprehensive strategic partnership. ■