After six years of persistent negotiations, Bolivia has fully opened the door to the Chinese market. Last week, Agropecuaria Chía Corp Bolivia S.A., located in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, took a historic step by exporting its first shipment of 25 tons of chia seeds to China. This achievement, based on mutual understanding between the two countries last November, signals the beginning of entry into the vast Asian market.

Chia seeds are highly valued for their omega-3 fatty acids and rich nutritional content. The significance of this first export to China lies particularly in its duty-free status, contrasting with the 10% tariff imposed by the US market following foreign trade sanctions by a former US President. The Bolivian government anticipates generating over $100 million in revenue within the next four years by exporting 50,000 tons of chia seeds annually to China through this new trade route.

This success is the result of public-private cooperation and is expected to further strengthen trade relations between Bolivia and China, including the export of sorghum in addition to chia seeds. This aligns with Bolivia's strategy of pursuing a foreign policy centered on BRICS. This initiative is projected to create jobs, boost investment, and benefit more than 1,000 farming families, with a goal of expanding the cultivated area to 50,000 hectares by 2026.

Bolivian President Luis Arce Catacora personally oversaw the loading of the first export shipment at the Agropecuaria Chía Corp Bolivia S.A. facility in the Warnes industrial park in Santa Cruz. President Arce emphasized, "This is a historic and very important milestone for Bolivia. Today, we are solidifying the opening of a new market with immense potential by directly sending the first container of Bolivian chia seeds to China."

He further stated, "While the United States imposed a 10% tariff, we now have access to a market without any barriers. This move signifies more than just a commercial opportunity; it represents a geopolitical redefinition. Latin America is no longer the backyard of the United States."

Furthermore, Chinese authorities have approved the import of Bolivian sorghum, opening up even greater opportunities for the agricultural sector. President Arce highlighted, "The national government has a very clear foreign policy направленный toward BRICS. This is an achievement that other countries in the region have not yet attained."

Wang Liang, the Chinese Ambassador to Bolivia, expressed his pleasure in strengthening trade relations with Bolivia, a "reliable strategic partner," and pledged to expand bilateral trade in sesame and other Bolivian agricultural products.

According to a report from the Bolivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "The expected economic impact is significant. Chia seed exports to China are estimated to exceed $100 million over the next four years. Producers, through an active international promotion strategy, will aim for an annual production of 50,000 tons, thereby boosting growth in the agricultural production sector."

This first export of Bolivian chia seeds to China is seen as a significant example of Bolivia's efforts to find new avenues amid increasing US protectionism and to build diversified economic partnerships. Further expansion of agricultural cooperation between Bolivia and China is anticipated in the future.

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