Jackfruit is the latest Cambodian fruit to get the green light, following the likes of mangoes, bananas, longan and durian
China has approved the import of fresh Cambodian jackfruit, with the countries signing a phytosanitary protocol on 15 July.
According to a report from The Phnom Penh Post, Cambodia’s minister of agriculture, forestry and fisheries Dith Tina and China’s minister of the General Administration of Customs, Sun Meijun signed two agreements in Beijing as part of a state visit by Prime Minister Hun Manet.
The authorities signed a protocol on phytosanitary requirements for the export of fresh jackfruit from Cambodia to China, and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in plant and animal quarantine and the import and export of safe food products.
Phot Saphanborey, chairman of the Board of Pechenda Fruit Production, a company that purchases and packs Pailin longan and other agricultural goods for domestic and international markets, told The Post, he was optimistic to see more Cambodian fruit and agricultural products entering international markets, particularly China.
He said jackfruit was a particularly promising category with export potential given its longer shelf life. Jackfruit production area had increased across Cambodia in recent years as well.
“Although the area under jackfruit cultivation is still much smaller than that of Pailin longan, many companies are beginning to expand their plantations,” he said.
However, challenges lie ahead as Cambodia looks to develop its jackfruit exports to China. Saphanborey, said Cambodia lacks modern facilities for fruit disinfection and treatment, as well as adequate storage infrastructure.
“Even though China has granted market access, Cambodia still has a great deal of work to do, particularly in export procedures and meeting product quality requirements,” he said.
