In mid-April, Nansha Port in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, received 195 metric tons of durians from Thailand, marking the first shipment of the fruit in 2024. This import is part of a broader agricultural exchange under the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Mechanism, which encompasses not only durians but also dragon fruit, bananas, and mangos, aiming to enhance the agricultural sector's economic impact and farmers' incomes in the region.
The Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Mechanism, established in 2016, has significantly contributed to agricultural development, with China's fruit imports from Mekong River countries nearly 60 percent of its total fruit imports in 2023, amounting to $10.68 billion out of $18.34 billion. The implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement has further deepened China's economic and trade cooperation with these countries, facilitating a quicker and more efficient fruit trade, especially following the opening of the China-Laos Railway.
Nansha district has launched China's first direct transport system for imported fruits, enabling immediate sale upon arrival at the port and establishing special routes for durians and cherries. This initiative, along with simplified export procedures, is expected to enhance the trade of agricultural products between China and Southeast Asian markets.
Source: ecns.cn