China's customs authorities on Thursday opened the Dongxing border gate in Guangxi region for fruit imports from Thailand. The border gate was also opened to alleviate congestion at the Mohan, Youyi Guan and Pingxiang border gates, which were initially used for the transportation of fruit from Thailand.
"The opening of the Dongxing border gate is great news for Thai fruit farmers and exporters, especially during the durian season in April and May; Department of Agriculture's director-general Phichead Wiriyaphaha said on Friday. "China is one of the major importers of Thai fruits, ordering up to 22 varieties worth more than Bt100 billion annually.”
In the first four months of this year, Thailand has exported 216,000 tons of durians to China.
"Once the Dongxing gate is opened, we expect the export of durian to rise significantly. The department is planning to boost personnel for issuing certificates of quality to speed up the export of fruit," Phichead told pattayaone.news, adding that China now requires Thai fruits to either come from farms that have been given good agriculture practices or GAP certification or processed at good manufacturing practices (GMP) certified facilities.