Durians developed under VietGAP with a traceability stamp are sure to have the licence of official export to China - Illustration photo

Last week, Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and the Chinese General Department of Customs signed a protocol on phytosanitary requirements for durian fruit exported from Viet Nam to China.

The newly-signed protocol is effective within three years.

In the first two years since the protocol takes effect, the MARD is responsible for collecting two percent of durian samples. After that, without any violation, the rate will be reduced to one percent.

The protocol stipulates that all growing areas registered for export to China must build a quality management and traceability system, apply Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and ensure conditions such as: clean the planting garden and away from the source of pollution, immediately remove the fallen and rotten fruits.

In addition, they must apply an integrated pest management (IPM) program, including pest surveillance, chemical or biological control, and other farming practices.

China is still the largest importer of Vietnamese durian, but this fruit product is mainly exported to China via border gates.  

China is no longer an easy market. To promote sustainable agricultural product exports, the domestic agriculture sector needs to change the method of production and export transaction, and promote quality control for fruit, including durians.

The MARD reported that Viet Nam's annual durian output is estimated at 600,000 tones. Viet Nam now has about 50,000- 60,000ha of durian growing for official export, mainly in Tay Ninh, Binh Duong, Dong Nai, Binh Phuoc, Tien Giang and Dak Lak provinces.

It is estimated that China spends US$ 4.2 billion on importing durian per year, of which imports from Thailand account for 60 percent.

Viet Nam exported dragon fruit, mango, lychee, longan, rambutan and star apple to the U.S. The export of grapefruit to the U.S. is under final negotiation.

Viet Nam has also exported dragon fruit, mango and lychee to Japan.