Bolaven Plateau, Laos | Laos’ durian industry is preparing to enter the Chinese market as production rises. Known for its coffee, the Bolaven Plateau in southern Laos is now drawing interest for durian farming, fueled by fertile soil and investment from entrepreneurs like Chinese businessman Tao Jian, 54. Tao’s company, Jinguo, has planted 50,000 durian trees and recently celebrated its first harvest.
Tao believes the plateau’s soil and climate suit durian cultivation. His team developed a high-quality hybrid v
ariety using Malaysian and local cultivars. “I believe Laos will soon become the world’s fourth-largest durian producer after Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia,” Tao told Nikkei Asia.
While Laos has traditionally grown durian on a small scale, larger-scale farming is gaining momentum. In August, the Lao Agricultural Business Association met with local growers and Chinese importers to discuss trade prospects. Association President Bounthieng Latthanavong said durian production in Laos is improving, positioning it for global markets, as reported by the Lao News Agency.
Currently, Laos has 170 durian farms on around 20,000 hectares, yielding about 900 tons annually. Production is expected to increase to 24,300 tons, potentially generating over $155 million, according to farmer representative Elavanh Latpakdee.
Laos is not yet exporting durian to China, but preparations are underway. Bounchanh Kombounyasith, Director General of Laos’ Department of Agriculture, noted that required export documents are in progress, with plans to export to China soon.
China, the world’s largest durian importer, bought 1.4 million tons worth $6.7 billion in 2023. Currently, Thailand supplies 75% of China’s imports, followed by Vietnam. With China’s rising demand, Laos sees an opportunity to enter this lucrative market.
Chinese investors, drawn by Laos’ favorable conditions and the new Laos-China railway launched in December 2021, are supporting this growth. The railway cuts travel time from Vientiane to Kunming, China, to under 10 hours, easing trade logistics.
Experienced durian cultivators like Thai expert Duangdavone Sulayavongsa, who has nearly 20 years of experience, believe Lao durians could become a valuable export. As China remains Laos’ second-largest trading partner, with trade reaching $7.1 billion in 2023, the durian industry could become a major economic asset for Laos.
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