Known as China’s Hawaii, the Hainan Island is famous for its tropical beaches and its scenic golf courses.
Agricultural specialists from South-east Asia reportedly helped to plant the durian crop, while Chinese specialists improved the imported seeds to better suit local weather conditions.Currently, about 670ha - or the size of about 938 football fields - of land in Sanya are devoted to the crop, with 20 per cent to 30 per cent of the trees beginning to bear fruit.
The Covid-19 pandemic, which affected global supply chain for an extended time in 2020, also did not lessen Chinese consumers’ love for the fruit. Thailand is the world’s largest durian grower. In 2021, the country exported about 100 billion baht worth of the fruits to countries including China and South Korea.On Sunday, The Bangkok Post reported that China-grown durian should not have any serious impact on Thai durian exports, given limited supplies in China and the pleasant taste of Thai durian.
Analysts told SCMP that Chinese-grown durian could reduce domestic prices, boost international agricultural cooperation and deepen “dual circulation”.