Looking at the possibility of opening up a new market for Tongan squash exports to China, a delegation of quarantine officials from China arrived in Tonga today on an exploratory visit, at the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs supporting an initiative of Tongan squash exporters.

At the start of a five day field trip, the group of four quality supervision experts met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. PM ‘Akilisi Pohiva, and the Minister of MAFFF, Hon. Semisi Fakahau, at the Prime Minister’s Office this afternoon to discuss the development of Tongan squash imports to China.

The delegation, led by Mr Tang Guang Jiang, Deputy Director General, Shandong Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau of the People’s Republic of China, will visit Tongatapu squash growing plots in Hahake and Hihifo. They will also look at the packing facilities of four Tongan squash exporters, Nishi Trading Co. Ltd., Hihifo Exports Ltd., Mark Shipping Ltd., and New Millennium Co. Ltd., and visit the Queen Sālote Wharf port facilities.

Mr Tang comes from Shandong, a large port in the PRC, and the other members of the delegation come from different provinces. They include Mr Yang Xi An, Director, Henan Inspection and Quarantine Bureau; Mr Fu Bi Zhong, Director, Fujian Inspection and Quarantine Bureau; and Ms Sun Shuang Yan, Associate Research Fellow, Center of Standards and Regulations.

They will meet with Tongan counterparts in Quarantine administration, including Dr Viliami Kami, Deputy Director and Head of Quarantine and Quality Management, MAFFF, and Siutoni Tupou, Tonga’s Export Pathway Manager, MAFFF.

Tongan pumpkin (squash) is valued for its sweetness and high quality, and is currently exported to only three countries: Japan, Korea and New Zealand.

The visit of the delegation was supported by  PHAMA - the Pacific Horticulture & Agriculture Market Access Program, a regional Australian Government funded aid for trade initiative supported by the New Zealand Government, with the objective of maintaining, improving and establishing export pathways to viable market destinations. The program in Tonga is coordinated through the PHAMA Tonga Market Access Working Group.