With the deepening of economic and trade cooperation between China and ASEAN, many tropical fruits are now imported through the China (Guangxi) Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ).

On Sept 19, a batch of Vietnamese durian weighing 18.24 tons and valued at 512,400 yuan ($71,175) arrived at Guangxi Youyiguan Port. Vietnam has become the second ASEAN country to export fresh durian to China after Thailand.

With the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in effect, the Chinese General Administration of Customs allowed Vietnam to import fresh durian into China in July. Vietnam has a long durian harvesting season with an annual production of 600,000 metric tons, short transportation routes and low production costs.

Youyiguan Port in Chongzuo area of Guangxi FTZ is an important channel through which China imports ASEAN fruits. In 2021, the value of fruit imported from ASEAN at Youyiguan Port reached 18.19 billion yuan, up 95.5 percent year-on-year.

In January, a fruit train full of Thai durian arrived at Pingxiang Railway Station in Guangxi, which was the first fruit import train from ASEAN countries after the RCEP came into effect.

The freshness and variety of fruits entering the Chinese market not only give Chinese consumers more choices, but also allow the benefits of the fruit trade to be transmitted to ASEAN countries.

A truck carrying Vietnamese durian drives to Youyiguan Port. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_df8bc987e060]