Apple and pear exporters are confident of a positive 2020 season, despite uncertainties around the impact of the coronavirus outbreak.
General manager for trade and marketing at Hortgro Jacques du Preez, said rthat over the past 15 years, South Africa had increased its marketing position in the Far East gradually and was continuing to work to gain better market access in the region.
He said progress had also been made in other countries in the region, particularly Malaysia and Bangladesh.
“The entry of pears into China has been halted due to the virus outbreak. The signing of the protocols would have taken place in March but it has now been delayed. We hope pear exports will begin as soon as the formalities are out of the way,” he said.
