Cambodia has secured authorization from China's General Administration of Customs (GACC) to commence direct exports of fresh durian to China. This follows a protocol signed in April. The GACC granted approval after evaluating 112 durian farms and 30 packing facilities that complied with China's Good Agricultural Practices, phytosanitary, and food safety regulations.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) advised certified farms and packing facilities to adhere strictly to the protocol, ensuring the products are void of harmful substances, pesticides, and banned chemicals. Unapproved entities are encouraged to apply for assessment through the General Department of Agriculture for potential registration.
Currently, fresh durian is the ninth agricultural commodity from Cambodia approved for direct export to China, joining rice, dry cassava, corn kernels, bananas, mangoes, longans, pepper, and coconuts. This development is attributed to the cooperative efforts between Cambodia and China. The Ministry communicated that stakeholders should continue engaging with the MAFF for sustained success in production, packaging, and exporting processes.
Khim Bunlene, from the King Durian Farm Community in Kampot province, noted the importance of focusing on enhancing the fruit's taste, safety, and cost-effectiveness for competitive access to international markets. He commented on the necessity for farmers to understand production costs, emphasizing quality, affordability, and competitiveness as crucial for market sustainability.
Cambodia's prime durian cultivation regions include Kampot, Kampong Cham, Tbong Khmum, Ratanakiri, Mondulkiri, Battambang, Pursat, Koh Kong, and Kampong Thom. Recent agreements highlight China's future purchases of Cambodian durian and dry mango, solidifying trade ties.
Source: Khmer Times
