THE Philippines has sent its first shipment of Durian to China which is part of the bilateral agreement sealed during the state visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Beijing in January, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Saturday, April 8, 2023.
In a statement, the DA said a total of 63.2 tons of Durian have been shipped to China from April 6 to 8 via air and sea travel.
It said the fruits were produced by farms and packed by facilities in Mindanao, particularly in Region 11, that passed the stringent requirements of the General Administration Customs of China (GACC).
“Following the signing of the ‘Protocol of the Phytosanitary Requirements for Export of Fresh Durian from the Philippines to China’ on January 4, the Philippine government, through the Department of Agriculture (DA), has commenced the preparatory measures including the extension of support to durian growers and processors that enabled them to meet the protocol requirements,” the DA said.
“The DA’s Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) also assisted in the accreditation and PhilGAP certification of the industry players,” it added.
The deal is expected to gain $260 million or P14.3 billion in revenue for the local durian industry.
It was part of the $2.09 billion in purchase intentions secured by Marcos during his visit in China for Philippine fruit exports which also covers coconut and bananas, among others.
Marcos committed to implement strategies to ensure high-quality fruits for export.
The DA to which he served as the concurrent secretary continues to provide assistance to durian growers including logistical and financial support under the Enhanced Kadiwa Grant. (TPM)