White shrimp strengthens China-Honduras relations

The Honduras white shrimp officially making inroads into Chinese market represents another important outcome of economic and trade cooperation and ushers in a prosperous growth of commercial relations between China and Honduras, officials and businessmen said.

They made the remarks on Sunday at a Honduran specialty product showcase and promotion event held in Beijing.

Honduran Ambassador to China Salvador Moncada said the first batch of Honduran white shrimp entering the vast Chinese market marks a historic moment for both the two countries.

Honduras white shrimp is a premium product known for its firm texture and delicious taste. According to the ambassador, Honduras maintains strict production processes, handling shrimp in a live-frozen state and meeting the highest food safety standards.

"We are immensely proud to introduce this product, which not only symbolizes the abundant natural resources of our country but also represents the hard work of our people in producing high-quality agricultural products," he said.

Moncada attributed the achievement to the leadership of Honduran President Xiomara Castro, who vigorously promoted the strengthening of diplomatic and commercial relations with China.

China and Honduras established diplomatic ties in March 2023 and the two countries have carried out six rounds of talks on free trade agreement. During the third round of negotiation in December, the two sides reached a substantive agreement on the early harvest agreement for the free trade agreement between China and Honduras, which came into effect on Sept 1, 2024.

"We look forward to the long-term and prosperous development of friendly relations between our two countries," Moncada added.

Noting Honduras white shrimp is a high-quality specialty of Honduras enjoying a high reputation, Deng Shuwen, general manager of Chinatex Corporation Limited, said the company was honored to be the first batch of importers of the product, as well as the witness and participant of economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.

"We are also the first beneficiaries of the early harvest arrangement," she said.

This first batch of white shrimp arrived at the ports including Tianjin by the end of September, enjoying zero tariffs and efficient customs clearance.

Before the National Day holiday, a trial sale was conducted by Chinatex in Beijing, receiving positive responses, Deng said, adding it was a vivid example of establishing diplomatic relations benefiting the two peoples.

"The export of high-quality white shrimp to China is another important milestone in China-Honduras practical cooperation," said Li Ruilin, general manager of the Fresh Food Department of Wumart Group.

"We are deeply honored to join hands with Chinatex to hold the promotion to introduce Honduran characteristic products to the majority of Chinese consumers and further share development opportunities and achieve mutable benefits," Li said.

The company will introduce more high-quality products such as coffee and bananas to enrich shopping choices of Chinese consumers, he added.