Azerbaijan hazelnuts and almonds are about to enter the Chinese market.

According to the Azerbaijani media ABC.AZ, the Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency (AFSA) and the General Administration of Customs of China signed a draft "Protocol on Inspection and Quarantine and Sanitary Requirements for the Export of Hazelnuts and Almonds from the Republic of Azerbaijan to the People's Republic of China" on October 15.

The media cited a report from the Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency stating that the signing ceremony took place during a visit by a delegation from the Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency to China, an activity carried out within the framework of the "Belt and Road" initiative. According to the provisions of the protocol, hazelnuts and almonds grown in Azerbaijan will be allowed to be exported to China, but they must meet the inspection and sanitary standards agreed upon by both parties. During the meeting, the two sides also signed a draft "Cooperation Mechanism in the Field of Food Safety Import and Export" and discussed related issues concerning the export of poultry, seafood, cherries, apples, persimmons, and pomegranates.

According to data from the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council, Azerbaijan's hazelnut production accounts for 4% of the global total. The Azerbaijan Hazelnut Exporters Consortium stated that Azerbaijan is currently one of the world's five major hazelnut producers (the other four countries are Turkey, Georgia, Italy, and the United States), with a total hazelnut production of 50,000 tons in 2020. Azerbaijan's hazelnut orchards are located in the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains in the regions of Qakh, Zaqatala, and Balakan, and the varieties produced include Atabab, Ashrafli, Ghalib, Ganja, Sachagly, Topgara, and Yagly, with Atabab and Khachmaz being the most popular varieties.

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