China represents an important export and potential market for all of the ACIAR partner countries. With its emerging middle class and relatively low consumption base, on a per capita basis, it is viewed as having substantial growth potential. Being a phytosanitary market, direct access to the Chinese market has been historically difficult, inconsistent and expensive. Some countries simply are unable to meet the requirements. Exporters and importers have often opted for the informal channels to access this growing Chinese market and recent legislative changes are indicating that a much harder line approach is going to be taken to closing this trade. Philippines, Thailand, Pakistan and Australia already have direct access into China, and Vietnam currently has a land access agreement, although the precise details are unclear. Indonesia currently does not have directly access to the Chinese market for mango, however, small amounts are entering mainland China via the Hong Kong informal trade route.
Aim & Objective
The overall aim of this SRA is to identify opportunities and strategies to improve biosecurity, market access and trade for selected mango markets through a better understanding of knowledge and stakeholder gaps. The objectives are to:
- Examine and document the current import protocols and informal trade channels for the markets of mainland China (Shnaghai) and Hong Kong.
- Understand technical issues and barriers for each partner country.
- Document issues and opportunities (core group/country level).
- Develop a detailed five-year plan including short, medium and long-term timelines for technical priorities and strategic development.
Partnerships
The project will be led by Griffith University with significant contribution and country-level coordination from each of the six ACIAR partner countries, Cambodia, Indonesia, Pakistan, the Philippines and Vietnam.