Phnom Penh, July 4 — In a significant boost to Cambodia’s agricultural export ambitions, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries has announced that Cambodian durians can now be exported directly to China. The official approval from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) comes after a detailed evaluation process and the signing of a bilateral protocol in April 2025.
GACC Certifies Cambodian Durian Farms and Packing Facilities
According to the ministry, the GACC has approved 112 durian plantations and 30 packing facilities across Cambodia. These facilities were found to be in full compliance with China’s import standards, including Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), phytosanitary regulations, and food safety requirements.
The inspection covered everything from pest management and chemical residue levels to post-harvest hygiene and packaging protocols. This certification ensures that Cambodian durians meet the high-quality standards expected by Chinese consumers.
Strict Compliance Required to Maintain Export Access
The Ministry of Agriculture is urging all registered durian growers and exporters to strictly adhere to the conditions outlined in the protocol. Key areas of focus include:
- Preventing pest infestations
- Avoiding chemical residues and banned substances
- Maintaining hygiene throughout the packing and shipping process
- Ensuring full traceability of products from farm to export point
Non-compliance could not only result in the loss of export rights but could also tarnish Cambodia’s reputation in the international agricultural market.
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Call for More Growers to Register
To expand the country’s durian export capacity, the ministry has invited unregistered plantation owners and packing facilities to apply for evaluation and registration through the General Directorate of Agriculture.
Applicants who meet the criteria will be added to the list of approved exporters. The move aims to increase farmer participation, improve production standards, and diversify income sources in rural areas.
Durian Industry Poised for Growth
Durian farming in Cambodia is still relatively young but rapidly expanding. Provinces such as Kampot, Battambang, Kampong Cham, and Mondulkiri are emerging as key growing regions, with over 2,000 hectares now under cultivation. Cambodian durians—particularly Monthong and Kanyao varieties—are known for their creamy texture, rich flavor, and sweetness, characteristics that appeal to the Chinese market.
As the sector matures, experts expect further investment in seedling development, pest control infrastructure, and cold chain logistics to ensure product freshness and consistency.
China: A Strategic Market for Cambodian Agriculture
China remains Cambodia’s most important agricultural trade partner. With this approval, durian becomes the ninth Cambodian product granted direct export access to the Chinese market, following:
- Rice
- Paddy
- Bananas
- Cassava chips
- Corn
- Longan
- Mangoes
- Pepper
China imported more than $4 billion worth of durians in 2024, primarily from Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. Cambodia now joins this elite group of suppliers, offering an opportunity to tap into one of the world’s most lucrative fruit markets.
Economic Benefits for Farmers and Exporters
The approval is expected to boost incomes for farmers, promote job creation across the value chain, and encourage further investment in agricultural infrastructure. By enabling direct exports, Cambodian durian growers will receive higher returns by bypassing intermediaries and regional re-export routes.
New jobs are expected in areas such as harvesting, sorting, packaging, transportation, and quality assurance, all of which are vital to maintaining compliance with international standards.
Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation with China
The ministry acknowledged that this milestone reflects deepening agricultural cooperation between Cambodia and China. The successful implementation of the durian export protocol builds on previous agreements under the Cambodia-China Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA) and aligns with both nations’ vision of expanding trade in high-value agricultural products.
The ministry also revealed plans to negotiate similar protocols for other products such as jackfruit, bird’s nest, frozen durian pulp, dragon fruit, and other tropical fruits with high export potential.
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A Turning Point for Cambodian Agriculture
This approval marks more than just a new export product—it signals a shift in Cambodia’s ability to participate in global value chains. By proving its capacity to meet international phytosanitary and food safety standards, Cambodia is showing it can compete in premium markets.
With continued government support, private sector investment, and technical training for farmers, Cambodia is on the path to becoming a recognized supplier of high-quality agricultural exports—not just in the region, but globally.
