STRATEGIES to ensure the production of high-quality fruits for export, including durian, which is the subject of an export deal with China amounting to US$2 billion, will be implemented.

This was the commitment made by the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., concurrently secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA), after he secured the signing of the “Protocol of the Phytosanitary Requirements for Export of Fresh Durians from the Philippines to China” on Jan. 4, during his three-day State Visit to China.

The DA, through the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) and the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) will lead in the strengthening of the production of “Grade-A” durian.

The DA has been overseeing the ongoing registration of exporters, packing facility operators, and durian growers.

There are already five licensed exporters, six packing facility operators, and 65 registered durian growers in the Davao Region.

Under the DA’s “Enhanced Kadiwa Grant,” durian growers and farmer cooperatives have also been extended financial assistance and support.

The DA will also schedule a training session for DA-BPI Plant Quarantine officers, inspectors, and other stakeholders on durian pests and diseases.

The training will include topics on cultural management to improve technical knowledge, further ensuring the quality of fresh durian for export to Chinese markets.

Fresh from the success of the State Visit, President Marcos, in his arrival remarks on Jan. 5, noted the agricultural cooperation between the two countries opens the door to greater trade opportunities.

“Because they are opening their trade to imports of durian and other agricultural products from the Philippines… we can redress the imbalance in our imports and exports from China,” the President said.

The demand for durian is estimated to be higher than the US$150 million (P8.24 billion) worth of exports during the first year of the implementation of the “Durian Protocol.”

China will be importing more than 5.7 million kilos of fresh durian per season.

Chinese firms such as Dole (Shanghai) Fruits and Vegetables Trading Co., Ltd/Dole China, Prestige International Co. Ltd., Shanghai Goodfarmer Group, and the Dashang Group have already made purchase commitments for 2023.

The DA will continue to work closely with the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC) to facilitate the virtual audit of additional packing facilities and farms.

The durian will be exported from an initial list of registered farms in major durian production areas of Davao City, Davao del Sur, and North Cotabato. Potential areas for expansion will be identified by the DA to sustain the durian export.

The bilateral venture between the Philippines and China is seen to generate at least 10,000 direct and indirect jobs to ensure the production of high-quality fruits for export, including durian, which is the subject of an export deal with China amounting to US$2 billion and will be implemented.