BISSAU, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- Guinea-Bissau has exported about 200,000 tonnes of cashew nuts so far during this year's marketing season, according to Minister of Commerce and Industry Jaimentino Co.
Co made the remarks on Wednesday during a visit to three warehouses in the Bolola industrial zone of the capital, Bissau, where he inspected the handling and export of cashew nuts.
The minister gave a positive assessment of the export process, describing the cashew sector as vital to the country's economy and the livelihoods of its population.
He said the visit also came ahead of dredging work at the country's ports scheduled for October, which was expected to significantly reduce the time needed for the transport and shipment of goods.
According to Co, six companies have yet to declare their exports, although they have already completed customs clearance procedures and vessels are ready for further shipments.
Cashew nuts are the backbone of Guinea-Bissau's export sector. According to the World Bank, raw cashew nuts account for around 90 percent of the country's export value and provide income to a large share of its population. ■