Moses Sonko, a cashew processor from The Gambia, is looking to expand his business into China, using the 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE) to connect with potential buyers in one of the world's largest consumer markets. 

West Africa is one of the world's major cashew-producing regions and plays an important role in the global supply chain. Yet despite its considerable production capacity, local consumption of cashews remains relatively low, making international markets particularly important for the industry's development. Expanding exports and developing overseas markets are therefore key opportunities for regional producers. 

At the expo, held at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre in Shanghai from 5 to 10 November, Sonko presented his company's processed cashew products, seeking to establish business relationships with Chinese wholesalers and secure bulk export orders. 

"We take raw cashews in The Gambia and process them into finished products. Our goal in China is to sell in bulk. We want to supply full containers, with products packed in 50-pound packages, and ship them to China," he said. 

This is Sonko's second visit to the CIIE. He said his previous participation had helped the company better understand the requirements of the Chinese market. After learning about the registration process with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), he began preparing the necessary qualifications to export to China. The company obtained its GACC registration this year, marking an important step towards entering the market. 

"Last year was about getting us ready. This year, we want somebody to say, 'Hey, next month, send me a container,'" he said, expressing his hope that the company's participation would lead to concrete orders. 

China's zero-tariff policy for African products also presents an important opportunity for the company. Sonko believes the policy will make Gambian cashews more competitive by reducing import costs and encouraging Chinese buyers to source from The Gambia. 

Chinese orders would be crucial to the company's growth, Sonko said. Although the factory has a designed production capacity of 40 tonnes per day, it has yet to operate at full capacity. He hopes to gradually maximise production capacity with the support of Chinese customers. 

For Gambian agricultural producers, the Chinese market offers opportunities to expand beyond traditional export destinations. Building business connections, understanding consumer preferences and meeting market access requirements are essential to this expansion. 

Sonko also emphasised the importance of direct communication with potential customers. Although language differences can pose challenges, he believes direct engagement and sustained contact can help build trust and foster long-term partnerships.

For the Gambian company, the CIIE is therefore more than just an exhibition. It is a gateway to business opportunities in the Chinese market. With its export qualifications and production capacity in place, the company hopes that the connections made in Shanghai will soon translate into shipments of Gambian cashews to China.