Exporters urged to improve Covid-19 protocols after shipments to China were paused following detection

The Thai durian industry has been urged to take extra Covid-19 precautions following China’s decision to temporarily ban imports after traces of the virus were found on durian packaging.

Thai durian exports to China Mohan checkpoint in Yunnan halted from 12-14 April when Covid-19 was detected on packaging and trucks transporting the fruit.

The ban has since been lifted but Thai authorities have stressed the importance of adhering to Covid-19 safety protocols.

Advisor to the Thai minister of agriculture and cooperatives Alongkorn Polabutr, said businesses must maintain strict Covid prevention measures and disinfect products in accordance with government regulations.

On a visit to the major production region of Chanthaburi Alongkorn said it was crucial exports remained uninterrupted as a number of key fruits including durian, mangosteen and rambutan, neared the peak of their seasons.

Alongkorn also revealed plans to ramp up durian exports to China via the new China-Laos railway route following a successful trial shipment of two containers of durian and one container of coconuts in early April.

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