Philippine durians gain access to China 

The Philippines has secured access to China’s booming durian market after the two countries agreed on a new protocol, as part of 14 bilateral agreements signed during a state visit to China last week by Philippine President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr. As part of the discussions, the countries agreed to improve cooperation in a number of areas including agriculture.

“It has been a very wide-ranging discussion… the meeting ran very long, and that’s why I’m actually very optimistic because President Xi seemed to be genuinely interested in all of these issues and finding a way to move forward to again strengthen the relationship between China and the Philippines. I’m quite gratified that we had made a good start,” said Marcos Jr.

According to a report by the South China Morning Post, the Philippines is to gain the same market access to China enjoyed by Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam for their durian exports.