PHNOM PENH: From January to October 27, 2023, Cambodia exported more than 11,403 tons of fresh longan to the Chinese market. Since longan exports officially began on October 27, 2022, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Agriculture Im Rachana says that a total of 14,345 tons of the fruit have been exported.

Longan is a sweet, juicy and succulent fruit in the same family as rambutan and lychees. It is a common staple in Cambodian markets, but has only recently begun export to China. Dried longan are often used in Chinese cuisine and traditional medicine.

One year ago, Cambodia’s Department of Agriculture registered 97 companies, plantations and packaging plants for the export of Cambodian longan to China, with 12 packaging plants officially approved by the Chinese Customs Administration.

In addition to exporting fresh longan to the Chinese market, said Im Rachana, the fruit is being processed into jams, juice, wine and being canned for sale in Chinese supermarkets.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries continues to encourage and support all enterprises in their efforts to process high value-added Cambodian agricultural products, and the Ministry said it will work with stakeholders to promote and push quality products to the world market.