Tiếng Việt
中文 (中国)25 year project targets China’s durian market
Laos has recently launched a massive durian cultivation project with the goal of promoting exports to China, as demand for tropical fruits in the world’s second-largest economy continues to rise sharply. The 25-year project focuses not only on increasing the yield and quality of durian but also on creating jobs and profit-sharing opportunities for local farmers. This marks a significant step for Laos in developing its agricultural export potential, particularly as neighboring countries like Vietnam and Thailand face increasing competition in the Chinese market. According to the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the first phase of the project is being implemented in Huay Kham Village, Sangthong District, Vientiane Capital, covering a pilot area of approximately six hectares. A specialized farm will be established to cultivate and propagate high-quality durian varieties, serving both domestic consumption and export markets. The project is a joint effort between the National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI) and EK Farmland Co., Ltd., a company experienced in high-tech agriculture. Production methods will be based on research from the Vegetable and Fruit Research Center to ensure scientific cultivation practices that enhance productivity while reducing costs. The official signing ceremony for this collaboration took place on October 7, attended by Mr. Somdet Bouphakham, Chief of Office of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, and Mr. Pooreum Song, CEO of EK Farmland.
Toward sustainable and regional agricultural growth
A noteworthy aspect of the project is its inclusive farming model involving local farmers. They will be invited to participate in production and share profits in the future, helping improve livelihoods and build a sustainable agricultural value chain in Laos. Specifically, Laos aims to export 400 tons of premium-grade durians to China by 2026, identifying the Chinese market as its top priority. The country’s biggest advantage lies in the China-Laos Railway, which shortens transportation time to less than two days, significantly reducing logistics costs while maintaining product freshness. This gives Laos a key logistical edge that even major durian exporters like Thailand and Vietnam do not possess. Among the three Southeast Asian durian-producing nations, Laos is currently the only one with a direct rail connection to China. The route has been effectively utilized for agricultural exports and continues to play a vital role in boosting trade flows.
According to the latest data, the China–Laos Railway has transported 150,000 tons of durians to date, up 91% compared to the same period last year. The expansion of the cold-chain logistics system has also enabled Lao durians to reach more provinces and cities in China, helping the country steadily increase its market share. With the launch of this large-scale cultivation project, coupled with superior logistics infrastructure and growing demand from China, Laos is positioning itself as a promising new durian supplier in Southeast Asia. The initiative is also expected to contribute to the country’s long-term goal of sustainable agricultural development enhancing productivity, improving farmer incomes, and strengthening Laos’s presence in the regional fruit export market.