Hean Vanhan News Today

Longan on October 27 became the third Cambodian fruit to be officially exported directly to China in fresh form, after bananas and mangoes, following months of inspections and preparations. This was the first day the Cambodian government authorised the direct export of fresh longan to China, more than a month after Beijing gave the final all-clear.

Cambodia is due to sign three major protocols with Chinese Customs on November 9, opening the door for exports of Cambodian peppercorn, “wild aquatic products” and “edible aquatic animals” to China, according to Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries secretary of state Hean Vanhan.

China has emerged as the world’s biggest importer of Cambodian milled rice, now accounting for more than half the market share – versus just three per cent a decade ago – and is expected to further strengthen its dominance going forward, while insiders point out that traders who ship to Chinese shores pay relatively large sums for the grains.