Cambodia expects that the longan exports from Pailin province to the international market, especially direct exports to China, to pick up once the once the Covid-19 outbreak tapers. This was stated by provincial governor Thou Phea and reported by The Post on Monday.
Phea said the initiative is driven by the upcoming opening of a processing-factory run by Chinese investors in the province that has finished construction. The company has delayed opening the plant until the Covid-19 situation eases, he said. It will have the capacity to dry 2.4 tonnes of longan per hour and will be a huge driver of Pailin’s longan market.
“Due to a lack of a drying plant, more than 5,500-6,000 tonnes of Pailin longan per year have been exported to Thailand. We hope that when the factory commences operation, our exports can be brought directly to the international market, particularly the Chinese market, at a time when prices are higher than at present,” Phea said.
The plant will improve cultivation and quality in the province, he said. “With the growth in farmer cultivation, I hope that additional investment in drying plants will improve the quality and export of Cambodian longan.”
