112 Cambodian farms get green light to export fresh durian to China

112 Cambodian farms get green light to export fresh durian to China

The Ministry of Agriculture asked all owners of approved farms and packing facilities to strictly comply with the GACC protocol’s requirements, including being free from harmful substances, pesticides, and banned chemicals.

Cambodia has officially received permission from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) to begin exporting fresh durian directly to the Chinese market, following the signing of a protocol in April.

The decision was made after the GACC assessed and approved the registration applications of 112 durian farms and 30 packing facilities that met China’s Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), phytosanitary requirements, and food safety standards.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) on Friday urged all owners of approved farms and packing facilities to strictly comply with the protocol’s requirements, including being free from harmful substances, pesticides, and banned chemicals.

In addition, the Ministry called on other farms and packing facilities that wish to export durian to promptly apply for registration with the General Department of Agriculture for assessment.

The Ministry also noted that fresh durian is now the ninth Cambodian agricultural product approved for direct export to China, following rice and rice husks, dry cassava, corn kernels, bananas, mangoes, longans, pepper, and coconuts. This achievement reflects the strong and effective cooperation between Cambodia and China.

“The public and all stakeholders are encouraged to remain informed and continue working with the Ministry of Agriculture led by the General Department of Agriculture, to support the long-term success of producing, packaging, and exporting fresh durian,” the Ministry stated.

Khim Bunlene, founder and president of the King Durian Farm Community in Kampot province, told the local media that durian farmers who wish to export to international markets, particularly China, must focus on improving the fruit’s taste, safety, and pricing.

He emphasised that even when market opportunities exist, Cambodian durian may struggle to compete if prices are too high.

“When I ask farmers how much it costs to produce a fruit or run their farm, many cannot give a clear answer,” he said, adding, “It’s like running a business without knowing your own costs.”

He stressed that farmers must begin thinking seriously about quality, affordability, and competitiveness. “These are the key factors that will allow Cambodian durian to succeed in the market sustainably, not just for one farm but for the entire country,” he added.

Cambodia has nine provinces with the best potential for durian cultivation including Kampot, Kampong Cham, Tbong Khmum, Ratanakiri, Mondulkiri, Battambang, Pursat, Koh Kong and Kampong Thom.

It may be recalled that in April, during the state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Cambodia and China signed a new protocol under which the Kingdom will export swiftlet nests, durians and crocodiles to the Chinese market.

Last month, two Chinese companies signed an agreement to purchase 15,000 tonnes of durian (2025-2026) and 20,000 tonnes of dry mango (2025-2027) from Cambodia.

The deal was signed between Guangxi Xiyaya Food Co., Ltd. and Lumisun Asian Fruits Co., Ltd. in Beihai City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China, in the presence of Lim Lokpiseth, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Commerce, and Zeng Ling, Vice Governor of Beihai City, along with provincial officials and representatives from numerous Cambodian and Chinese companies.

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