Recently, Samlot Durian Cluster, Battambang Durian Industry Association, met with a number of investors to discuss matters related to the export of Cambodian durian to China.

It is understood that a large number of crops such as longan, rambutan, mangosteen, and avocado are now planted in the Battambang area. The local durian planting industry started relatively late, but due to the suitable soil and climate, it has developed rapidly. In 2019, the Battambang Provincial Department of Agriculture established the Samlot Durian Cluster to simplify durian planting and production management and ensure the safety and quality of durians.

Nay Chorn, head of the association, said that recently the association has received a number of foreign companies wishing to import durians from the Samlot area, but he still expressed concern about exporting durians to China.

It is reported that the Association and the Battambang Provincial Department of Agriculture have had many discussions on the issue of durian exports to China. Chorn said frankly that Chinese companies were very concerned about the annual supply of durians and requested detailed data. The association is worried that after the contract is signed, if the contract requirements cannot be met, it will bring more troubles.

According to reports, in the middle of last year, Thai and Chinese traders visited the durian plantations of the Association. At that time, the Chinese traders were very satisfied with the taste and quality of the durians, and hoped to export frozen durian pulp to China through Thailand. Chorn said that the association is confident in the quality of local durians, but durian supply and meeting phytosanitary requirements are obstacles that may need to spend more money to overcome.

It is reported that durians in Battambang Province, Cambodia are mainly planted in the Samlot area. At present, 417 hectares of the total 546 hectares of plantations have begun to be harvested, with an annual output of more than 5,000 tons. Depending on the variety, the wholesale price of durian orchards ranges from 13,000 to 15,000 riel per kilogram, and it begins to mature at the end of June or early July every year.

At present, the Cambodian Samlot Durian Cluster Association has nearly 20 plantation members with an annual output of 300-400 tons. An official from the Battambang Provincial Department of Agriculture said that the government has the responsibility to introduce traders to expand the market for fruit farmers, but specific negotiations depend on industry organizations and investors.

According to the Cambodian Ministry of Agriculture, Cambodia has not yet exported durians to overseas markets, especially the Chinese market, and the issue of plant quarantine is still in the negotiation stage. Due to the limited production of durian and other Cambodian agricultural products are also waiting for the Chinese market access permit, the specific situation is still under evaluation.