According to the official website of ASOEX and South American media reports, on September 30, Chinese Ambassador to Chile Niu Qingbao was invited by Iván Marambio, president of Chilean Fruit Exporters Association (ASOEX), to Romeral, R. de Maule to participate in the second Cherry Blossom Festival and inspect local cherry orchards. The Cherry Blossom Festival also marked the official opening of the new season of Chilean cherries .
 
Niu Qingbao emphasized the importance of the Chinese market for Chilean cherry exports. He said that Chilean fruit exports are important not only for Chilean exporters, but also for Chinese consumers. That's why both sides want to cooperate and to solve any problems that may arise. China is already prepared to receive Chilean cherries of the new season, especially in terms of virus testing and logistics.

Chilean Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Esteban Valenzuela noted that despite the difficulties of the 2021/22 season, Chile exported more than $2 billion in total to China. This season, with abundant rainfall and favorable weather, Chile's exports to China are expected to reach close to $3 billion.
 
Back in late August, ASOEX had publicly stated its participation in a government-enterprise partnership project with the Chilean government aimed at solving the port logistics crisis. ASOEX is also working in China and other export markets to avoid a repeat of last season's logistical congestion, said President Marambio, emphasizing the importance of logistics to Chilean exports of cherries and other fruits.
 
Chile is the world's number one exporter of cherries, accounting for 41.6 percent of the global market, and ASOEX released data showing that for the 2021/22 season, Chile exported a total of 356,348 tons of cherries, of which 313,237 tons were shipped to China.