Durian export to China in 2022 seen to generate P8.2B, 10,000 jobs — BPI
MANILA, Philippines — The initial export of fresh durian to China this year is expected to generate up to P8.2 billion ($150 million) and 10,000 jobs in the Philippines, the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) said Tuesday.
BPI officer-in-charge Director Gerald Glenn Panganiban said the Philippines is projected to export a total of 50,000 metric tons of durian to China this year, the first batch of which will be shipped in March.
“Tinatayang US $150 million ang ating inaasahang kikitain dito sa ating initial na pag-e-export ngayong taon na ito ng ating durian,” he said in a public briefing.
(We expect to generate $150 million in revenue from the exportation of durian this year)
“Ito ay nakasalalay sa ating magandang produksyon at sa ating pag-comply sa requirements ng pamahalaan ng China,” Panganiban added.
(This depends on our production and compliance of farmers with China’s export requirements )
The BPI official said the bulk of the durian production is expected to come from the Davao region, and so far, 59 farms, five packing facilities, and five exporters had been endorsed to the government of China.
He said revenue from durian exportation was seen to further increase as registered farms and production facilities were expanding to meet the requirements of China.
He said there was no limit as to the volume of fresh durian the Philippines could export to China, noting that the demand in the North Asian country far exceeded their supply of the so-called “king of fruits.”
Panganiban also said the exportation of durian is expected to generate 10,000 direct jobs in the country, such as growers and exporters, and 2,000 indirect jobs particularly in the areas of packaging, logistics, and other processes in exportation.
More jobs can be generated when durian exportation gets into full swing, he added.
Apart from China, the Philippines is exporting fresh durian to Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam.
The Philippines is also exporting other fruits to China, such as bananas, mangoes, pineapples, avocados, young coconut, and vegetables, such as okra and asparagus.
