By Katrina Gracia Consebido
The Philippines will begin shipping durian to China in March, the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI) said.
DA Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa informed Marcos of the durian shipment to China during a meeting with the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) on Tuesday.
The agency said a total of 7,500 metric tons of durians from 59 farmers and producers covering 400 land hectares will be sent.
The shipment followed the state visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to China earlier this year.
Marcos said in his visit that the agricultural sector is “at the forefront” of the post-pandemic economic recovery strategy.
Both countries had an agreement on phytosanitary protocol for the export of fresh durians. At least four companies expressed interest in buying Philippine fruits.
The Marcos administration has secured $2.09 billion in purchase commitments for Philippine fruit exports including, durian, coconut, and bananas.
Marcos assured business leaders that durian growers, represented at the meeting by the Davao Durian Industry Association, are ready to meet Chinese market demand.-ag
