Indonesia to export frozen durians directly to China

Indonesia plans to start exporting frozen durians to China later this year. This move follows an agreement between the two countries as they celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations. China is looking to strengthen its ties with Southeast Asian nations, especially amid its rivalry with the United States. Frozen durians are popular in China, which imported nearly $7 billion worth of the fruit last year. Indonesia hopes to tap into this market. The Monthong durian, known for its creamy texture and sweet taste, is a key focus. Although Indonesian Monthong durians are currently exported through Thailand, a direct shipping route is about to be established. Shipping directly from Indonesia to China will cut shipping time from one month to about a week. It will also reduce costs by half. PT Ammar Durian Indonesia, which is part of this effort, expects to increase its exports from 30 to 50 containers once the new route is available. However, China has strict export standards. Indonesian farmers and suppliers must follow guidelines for agricultural and handling practices to ensure quality. A tracking system will also be used to monitor the durians from farms to shipping. Several companies in Parigi Moutong, a region known for its durians, are preparing for direct exports. PT Silvia Amerta Jaya, for instance, works with around 500 local farmers and aims to promote new planting initiatives. Indonesia's good relationship with China, supported by recent visits from Indonesian officials, plays a vital role in this trade development. The Ministry of Agriculture has been proactive, cataloging local durian varieties and supporting their growth for export potential. Indonesia produced around 1.2 million tonnes of durians in the previous year, with most sold domestically. The goal is to compete more effectively in the global market for this fruit.