In this file photo dated May 5, 2022, a worker arranges durians at a processing factory in Chanthaburi province, Thailand.
China and Thailand signed a memorandum of understanding last week before the start of the annual durian harvest season, to jointly promote tropical fruit exports and guarantee their prices for the benefit of Thai farmers.
About 20,000 metric tons of Thai durians and mangosteens, valued at more than 3 billion baht ($82.44 million), are expected to be exported to China from April to June this year, according to the MOU.
The MOU between the Thai-Chinese Agricultural Import-Export Association and the China Fruit Marketing Association is expected to provide stricter quality control of the fruits being exported. Moreover, the logistics chain will also be improved, by utilizing cold chain and frozen technology, among other things.
According to the Ministry of Commerce, Thailand’s export of fresh durians in 2022 was worth more than 1.1 billion baht, the highest in 30 years. China is its biggest buyer
Thai Minister of Commerce Phumtham Wechayachai said at the signing ceremony at Chanthaburi province that they will strive to make it more convenient for the Thai fruit trade to operate, and “offer help to support the whole chain of fruit export”.
“I’ve been to China many times and noticed that our Thai durians have received great welcome by Chinese people for their high quality and good taste. And Chanthaburi is now famous in China for both its fresh fruits and gems,” he added.
As Thailand’s major production base for tropical fruits, including durian, mangosteen, logan, longkong, rambutan and banana, Chanthaburi contributed to about 80 percent of the kingdom’s annual fruit exports.
According to the Ministry of Commerce, Thailand’s export of fresh durians in 2022 was worth more than 1.1 billion baht, the highest in 30 years. China is its biggest buyer.
In this file photo dated April 19, 2023, workers unload fruits transported from Thailand on the China-Laos Railway in Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan province. (PHOTO / XINHUA)
A report by the Kasikorn Research Center in Thailand this week noted that Thailand’s fresh durian exports to China recorded a 10-fold increase over the past six years, while it is estimated that Thai durian shipments to China will see a year-on-year growth of 12 percent this year.
The increase has been attributed to improved transportation, with Thai durians now transported to China via the China-Lao-Thai Railway. This has reduced the travel time to just four days compared to the previous eight to 10 days via the sea route.
The export increase has been attributed to improved transportation, with Thai durians now transported to China via the China-Lao-Thai Railway. This has reduced the travel time to just four days compared to the previous eight to 10 days via the sea route
The fresh fruit trade between China and Thailand has also opened up other business opportunities, such as tourist tours during harvest season for tropical fruits.
“Chinese people appreciate Thai fruits very much, durians in particular. I believe there will be a great potential to introduce fruit harvest tours to Chinese people,” said Pimi Suthanin, whose family runs a durian farm in Chanthaburi’s neighboring province Trat. The 150-hectare farm has been in operation since 2017.
Pimi, who had spent a year in South China’s Guangxi province as an exchange student, said: “I noticed that many Chinese people, especially those who live in cities, like to spend their holidays in rural areas for farming experiences.”
Since Thailand is a popular destination for Chinese tourists, “it might be more interesting if we can add durian harvest” to their wish list when they are in the kingdom, Pimi added
China and Thailand implemented a visa-free policy for visitors from the two countries from March 1.
“I have invited several of my friends in China to visit our farm early this May. They will drive from Bangkok to Trat along the coastline of East Thailand and enjoy our beautiful sea view as well as the taste of our fantastic tropical fruits, which will be unforgettable for sure,” Pimi said.
