China's imports of fruits from five Mekong River countries reached $10.68 billion in 2023, representing nearly 60 percent of its total fruit imports. This information was disclosed by Guo Libin, the Party chief of the Foreign Economic Cooperation Center under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, during the Lancang-Mekong Fruit Industry Development Workshop in Guangzhou.
Fruits such as durians, mangoes, bananas, longans, mangosteens, and coconuts from these countries, alongside other Southeast Asian nations, have found popularity in China. Conversely, Chinese agricultural exports like dates, persimmons, pears, pomegranates, and cantaloupes have penetrated the Southeast Asian market, noted for their quality, competitive pricing, and taste.
The enactment of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) has furthered economic ties and agricultural trade between China and the Mekong River countries. The China-Laos Railway has facilitated quicker access for Mekong country fruits into China, enhancing agricultural cooperation. The Lancang-Mekong Cooperation framework, involving China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, underscores the collaborative efforts of these nations sharing the Mekong River.
Source: china.org.cn