Chilean fruit exports to China rises 68% in 2008

Special Report:Global Financial Crisis

SANTIAGO, Feb. 5 (Chinese media) -- Chilean fruit exports to China grew by 68 percent in 2008 compared with 2007, to 96 million U.S. dollars, Chilean Agriculture Minister Marigen Hornkohl said.

Grape exports accounted for 46 percent of the entire exports, followed by apples with 21 percent, cherries with 20 percent and plums with 10 percent, according to Hornkohl, quoted on Thursday by local media.

It is not easy for Chile to enter Asian market, due to cultural differences and geographical distance, Hornkohl said.

"We are making efforts to innovate packing and maritime transportation technologies to guarantee the arrival of the fruit in good conditions," Hornkohl added.

Chile and China signed in 2005 a Free Trade Agreement which took effect on Oct. 1, 2006 and has significantly promoted bilateral commercial exchanges.