by Cesar Marino Garcia

BOGOTA, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Colombian cocoa producers are celebrating the upcoming entry of their product into the Chinese market after successful negotiations at the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE), held in early November in Shanghai.

Agreements reached during the event, where Colombia was the guest country of honor, include the annual export of 10,000 tons of Colombian cocoa from 26 rural producer associations, according to the state-run Rural Development Agency.

For Colombian cocoa, to reach Chinese consumers is a "dream" that could "change the lives of farmers, allow them to live better and bring generational renewal," said Esperanza Garcia, legal representative of the Association of Cocoa Producers, in an interview with Xinhua.

The news has generated strong expectations among members of her organization, which comprises 155 families and businesses from the municipality of Policarpa in Narino Department. They are hopeful that their products will soon be available in China, said Garcia.

Secondo Sevillano, a representative of the Paz Sabor chocolate brand, said his organization, formed by 100 producers from the municipality of Tumaco in Narino, is awaiting formalization of cocoa shipments to China.

After showcasing his brand at the CIIE, Sevillano said, "The next challenge will be preparing to meet the demand that may arise in these Asian markets."

"The demand for our product will depend on the growth we can achieve in our territory, which is why we continue preparing for these potential markets," he said.

The expansion of Colombian cocoa into international markets aligns with sustainable production models, solidifying cocoa as one of the country's most important agricultural products, he added. ■