Indonesia aims to export durians directly to China

Zulkifli highlighted the booming demand in China, which could reach US$8 billion, as good news for farmers and a good opportunity for durian-farming countries like Indonesia to boost exports of the fruit.

He said Indonesia is currently only able to produce durian paste for export. The product, commonly used for ice cream, have a complicated and lengthy manufacturing process and a lower selling price.

He pointed out that Indonesia has a lot of durians from Central Sulawesi, but to reach China, they must first be transported to Thailand, which has decreased profit.

The government seeks to export whole durians in the near future, and ship them directly to China without transit, he said.

Based on results of the Indonesian Quarantine Agency meeting, China will run a direct inspection of Indonesia’s durian early next year.

After the process is completed, the two countries can sign an MoU so that Indonesian durian can directly access the Chinese market, Zulkifli added.