A memorandum of agreement (MOA) extending the importation of Philippine fruit to China was signed during the state visit of President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. in China, the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) said on Thursday.

According to the OPS, Marcos said the Department of Agriculture and China’s General Administration of Customs signed an agreement on the protocol for exporting fresh Philippine durian on Wednesday, Jan. 4.

It said that the Marcos administration has secured at least $2.9 billion in purchase intentions for Philippine fruit exports.

"The President said at least four companies had expressed their intention to purchase more Philippine tropical fruit products, especially durian," the OPS said.

Apart from this, it said that Marcos also welcomed the intention of several Chinese companies to invest in the country's coconut, and livestock sector, as well as developing durian as a plantation crop.

“These will generate much-needed employment, enrich the sector’s research and development activities and capabilities, enhance domestic and international trade, and ensure food security at affordable prices,” the President said as quoted by the OPS.

Marcos also said the Coconut Farmers Industry Development Plan is "expected to facilitate the rehabilitation and modernization of the Philippine coconut industry" to allow more coconut products to enter the Chinese market.