The Philippines is expected to generate US$150 million or over P8.3 billion from its durian exportation to China this year, the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) said on Tuesday, Feb 28.
"Inaasahan pa naman po na lalaki ito dahil, sir, nag-i-expand pa ang ating mga farms at nag-a-upscale pa sila sa kanilang production para maka-comply sa requirements ng China, at ito po ay nirirehistro ng ating opisina sa BPI,” BPI officer-in-charge Director Gerald Glenn Panganiban said during the Laging Handa public briefing.
Over 50,000 metric tons of fresh durian are expected to export to China this year.
"Wala naman tayong limit sa export. Sabi nga po noong mga exporters ng ating durian ay talaga pong iyong market sa China ay kulang pa iyong ating supply sa kanilang total demand," he added.
He pointed out that the exportation will generate 10,000 direct jobs in the country including growers and exporters.
There were also 2,000 indirect jobs for packaging, logistics, and other processes in exportation.
The Philippines is also exporting durians to other Asian countries including Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.