by James Gashumba, Liu Youmin

KIGALI, April 20 (Xinhua) -- China's zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries set to begin on May 1 is raising hopes for a stable market and higher revenues for Rwandan horticulture exporters, as businesses contend with disruptions caused by conflict in the Middle East, an export industry stakeholder has said.

In a recent interview with Xinhua, Robert Rukundo, chairperson of the Horticulture Exporters Association of Rwanda, said the zero-tariff policy could mark a turning point, providing more opportunities for Rwanda and other African exporters to access the Chinese market.

He said the policy comes as a relief for Rwandan and other African exporters, helping to offset losses in other markets at a time when protectionist measures are rising elsewhere under the cover of trade regulations.

"It is timely, at a time when there are uncertainties in the global market. It is an opportunity for us to trade, improve investment, to have the confidence to invest without fear of losing our investments, so that is the beauty about it," he said.

Established in 2015 with 13 companies, the association has since expanded to 102 companies engaged in the export of food products, vegetables, flowers, and tubers.

"For the horticulture sub-sector, this zero-tariff policy will increase our revenues, enable so many people to access China's vast market, but also open up investment in the horticulture sector," he said.

Rwanda has set ambitious targets for the diversification and growth of horticulture exports and is actively promoting investment in the sector. Horticulture production in Rwanda is widely distributed across all 30 districts, according to the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB).

The four key categories of horticultural products in Rwanda are vegetables, fruits, nuts, and flowers. Most Rwandan products that have benefited from the Chinese market have mainly been coffee, tea, and pyrethrum. In the horticulture sub-sector, avocados and dried chili have gained access to China.

"With the zero-tariff policy, I am very hopeful that we are going to see an increase in exports of avocados to the Chinese market, as well as dry chili. I think coffee exports will also increase, along with vegetables. I believe we will see more investment flowing into this sector, and with the large Chinese market, the returns will be good," he said.

He added that the policy also provides an alternative market to existing destinations. The association's main markets have traditionally been Europe and the United Arab Emirates, but it has recently begun exploring the Chinese market.

"So it diversifies our market opportunities and gives us a chance to have negotiating power with other markets with which we have trade agreements and understanding," he said.

With disruptions in Middle Eastern markets, Rwanda's horticulture exporters have been unable to ship avocados, despite not having prepared alternative markets.

"It caught us abruptly. But the Chinese market has been stable. It is a market you can trust... regardless of the uncertainties with other markets. Working with China gives us that opportunity of stability in the market," he added.

Rukundo noted that China has long been a strong partner of Rwanda and Africa, not only in trade but also in infrastructure development and technology.

He called for greater investment in food production, processing, value addition, and quality improvement to better tap into the Chinese market.

He also called for strengthening certification systems and improving cold chain management to fully benefit from the opportunities offered by the large Chinese market.

He expressed confidence that the number of companies exporting to China would increase over the next 12 months.

Rwanda's horticulture export revenues rose from 28.7 million U.S. dollars in 2020 to over 86 million dollars in 2025, according to data from NAEB. The Rwandan government aims to increase exports tenfold across the board. Rukundo said China gives them confidence in achieving this target, given its vast market.

"And this zero-tariff policy will be win-win for both sides, as Chinese consumers will get more high-quality Rwandan raw materials and products," he said. ■