Malaysia negotiating on export of fresh durians to China
Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek says government working with durian farmers to meet China’s criteria, adding that pineapples are growing in demand too.
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is preparing to start exporting fresh durians to China, says Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek.
According to the minister, both countries were currently in negotiation on an agreement that will allow Malaysia to export fresh durians to China within a year.
“Due to China’s strict biosecurity and food safety regulations, whole durians cannot be brought into the country because our fruits come in contact with soil when they fall from the trees,” he was quoted as saying by The Star.
He added that his ministry was working with durian farmers to ensure that China’s criteria were met.
Exports of the fruit to China have reached record levels but only in the form of the fruit being taken out of its thorny shell, cleaned and packed before being taken out of Malaysia.
However, Hong Kong allows the fresh fruit to be brought into its borders.
It was recently reported that thousands of mainland Chinese flock to Kowloon in Hong Kong, to taste the fruit fresh from the source, instead of the ice-packed versions they get in China.
Hong Kong’s census and statistics department show that durian imports to the island increased by 170% in 2016, to HK$3.1 billion (RM1.62 billion), compared with the year before.
Durian buffets are very popular in Hong Kong currently, and statistics show that durians are now the most in demand item in Hong Kong by mainland Chinese after infant formula and toiletries.
Pineapple growing in popularity
Meanwhile, Shabery said another fruit produce from Malaysia is starting to grow in demand from China.
He said consumers in China now have a great craving for Malaysia’s fresh pineapples.
“Demand from the Chinese market is currently 100 tonnes per week, however Malaysia is only able to provide about 60 tonnes,” he was quoted as saying by the daily.
Shabery added that in view of the great demand for the fruit, the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (MPIB) aimed to increase production by 20% next year, especially the MD2 variety which seemed to be a favourite.
“The increase in pineapple production and export will also help boost many related industries, such as logistics, warehousing and shipping.
“We are planning to visit China again next month to promote our birds’ nests,” he said, according to The Star.
Fresh durian sales thrive in Hong Kong, with China ban
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