Customs officers inspect apples loaded for export to Nepal at the Nyingchi Customs, Xizang autonomous region, on Wednesday. CHINA DAILY

More than 23 metric tons of fresh apples produced in Nyingchi of the Xizang autonomous region were exported to Nepal through Gyirong Port on Wednesday.

Xizang Shangcheng Health Industry Co, based in Nyingchi, dispatched its first shipment of apples to Nepal, which were valued at more than 194,100 yuan ($26,800).

The company has signed an agreement to export 99 tons of apples from Nyingchi to Nepal. A second batch of 26 tons has been prepared and will be exported in the next few days, it said.

Renowned for their lustrous red appearance, high sugar content, excellent taste and pristine quality, Nyingchi apples have garnered favor among consumers.

A planting area reaching 2,520 hectares in 2023, an annual yield of approximately 15,000 tons and a production value of around 170 million yuan underscore their substantial export potential.

Lhasa Customs has been emphasizing the transformation of Nyingchi into a pioneering hub for reform and opening-up, and has explored international markets for superior products from Xizang.

By leveraging Nyingchi's geographical advantages, abundant resources and ecological strengths, customs has played a pivotal role in facilitating the successful export of apples, actively engaging in research and guiding companies to venture into international trade.

"We have tailored our support to meet the specific needs of companies, offering personalized business consulting and policy guidance," said Wang Cunrui, deputy director of the Nyingchi Customs under Lhasa Customs

"This has included assisting companies in orchard registrations for export, enhancing their quality management systems for orchard management and production processes, and implementing streamlined customs clearance procedures, effectively reducing associated costs," said Wang.

Trucks laden with apples have set out from Nyingchi and are anticipated to grace the tables of Nepalese households in the coming days.

Li Longjing, head of Xizang Shangcheng Health Industry, expressed optimism about the future and said that customs provided them with extensive professional guidance across various aspects, instilling confidence in their efforts to explore the South Asian market.

"We anticipate exporting 1,000 tons of apples this year and have plans to expand our exports to include apple seedlings, edible fungi and other products," said Li.

This venture holds the promise of transforming small-scale fruit production into a significant industry, driving prosperity and increasing incomes for local communities in Xizang.

Looking ahead, Lhasa Customs is committed to focusing on establishing Nyingchi as a pioneering area for reform and opening-up in the region, thereby contributing to the region's sustainable economic development.

Contact the writers at palden_nyima@chinadaily.com.cn