THE Philippines is set to export its first batch of durian to China next month under a deal which was signed during the trip of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Beijing in January.
During a meeting with the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) in Malacañang last Tuesday, the Department of Agriculture (DA) informed the President of the shipment schedule.
DA Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa said an initial volume of 7,500 metric tons (MT) of durian would be exported to China.
The fruit will be sourced from 59 different farmers or producers covering some 400 hectares of production area.
The DA and China’s General Administration of Customs already signed a protocol of phytosanitary requirements for the export of fresh durian.
President Marcos said more locally produced fruits, including coconut and bananas, are expected to be shipped to China in the coming months.
These after at least four Chinese firms have expressed interest in purchasing $2.09 billion worth of Philippine fruits.
Representatives of the Davao Durian Industry Association, who were present in the PSAC meeting, assured the President they are ready to meet the big demand from China.
The Davao region covers 78 percent of the total durian production in the country.
Image credits: PNA/Robinson Niñal Jr.