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

The media reported, citing the Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency, 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 must meet the inspection and hygiene standards agreed upon by both parties.

During the meeting, the two sides also signed a "Draft on Cooperation Mechanism in the Field of Import and Export Food Safety" and discussed related issues regarding 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 at the foot of the Greater Caucasus Mountains in regions such as Qakh, Zaqatala, and Balakan, producing varieties including Atabab, Ashrafli, Ghalib, Ganja, Sachagly, Topgara, and Yagly, with Atabab and Khachmaz being the most popular varieties.