Phnom Penh (FN), Apr. 22 – Cambodia and China held a celebration to mark the official approval of Cambodian fresh coconuts for export to the Chinese market.

The celebration followed the Seventh Cambodia-China Intergovernmental Coordination Committee Meeting, chaired by First Vice Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia Sun Chanthol and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday (Apr. 22) at the Council for the Development of Cambodia.

Cambodia's fresh coconuts received approval from the Chinese government in late February, allowing Cambodia’s fresh coconuts to officially enter the Chinese market after completing all necessary export procedures.

It should be noted that in August, the Ministry of Agriculture and the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) held a meeting to assess the risk of harmful components in Cambodian coconuts. In September, the Chinese and Cambodian governments signed the "Protocol on Phytosanitary Requirements for Fresh Coconut Exports." In January 2024, Chinese Customs inspected compliance with the protocol for Cambodian fresh coconut companies exporting to China. The process took just over half a year.

Coconut cultivation is widespread in provinces including Kampong Speu, Kampot, and Sihanoukville, and has expanded to other provinces including Kampong Chhnang, Pursat, Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Kampong Thom, Svay Rieng, and Siem Reap.

So far, China has permitted Cambodia to import four major fruits into its market including bananas, mangoes, Pailin longans, and fresh coconuts.
=FRESH NEWS