Swiftlet nests’ exports to China now a near reality

Swiftlet nests’ exports to China now a near reality

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) yesterday called on owners of primary processing facilities for exporting swiftlet nests, as well as households that engage in swiftlet farming and intend to export to China, to submit their applications to the ministry.

The MAFF stated that the move is in line with a protocol for the export of swiftlet nests from Cambodia to China, which was officially signed with the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China on April 17 in Phnom Penh.

The protocol was signed on the sidelines of the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to the Kingdom last month.

The ministry statement said that “upon receiving applications, its specialised units will carry out inspections and assessments in accordance with the technical standards outlined in the protocol.

“The ministry will also coordinate with Chinese customs authorities to facilitate the export process.”

Suy Kokthean, President of the Khmer Swiftlet Association (KSA), welcomed the ministry’s announcement.

Speaking to Khmer Times yesterday, Kokthean noted that the ability to directly export swiftlet nests to China is a long-anticipated development for swiftlet farmers.

He emphasised that the private sector and relevant government agencies have been working closely to implement the required export procedures.

“I think that this is a significant step forward that could greatly increase the value of swiftlet nests in the near future,” he said.

“However, farmers and exporters must strictly comply with Chinese customs requirements regarding hygiene, disease control, and other technical standards.”

Kokthean added that he saw some companies and swiftlet nest farms are already engaged in preparations while the association he represents does not engage in export business as such.

“Our role is to support and promote swiftlet nest farmers and enterprises to reach the level where they can export officially. We act as a bridge to help facilitate the formal export of Cambodian swiftlet nests,” he explained.

It may be recalled that Cambodia and China signed a new protocol last month under which the Kingdom will export swiftlet nests, durians and crocodiles to the Chinese market.

Both countries signed 37 protocols covering a wide range of sectors including investment, trade, education, finance, information, youth affairs, agriculture, health, water resources, tourism, women’s affairs, and others in connection with Xi’s official visit to Cambodia.

While official data is still not available, Kokthean estimates there are currently over 5,000 swiftlet households in Cambodia, with an annual harvest of approximately 100 tonnes of nests.

Swiftlet nests, specifically the edible bird’s nest, are a highly prized delicacy in Thailand and Cambodia, particularly in Chinese cuisine, and are harvested for bird’s nest soup.

Swiftlet nests are made from the solidified saliva of swiftlets, and are consumed for their perceived health benefits and unique flavour. While not a common part of Khmer cuisine, bird’s nest soup is widely enjoyed in Cambodia.

khmertimeskh