Chinese premier Wen Jiabao has indicated the country could soon open its borders to Malaysian durian during a recent visit to the Asian nation.
According to a report on Malaysian news website the Star.com, fruit from the country has been barred from entering China since 2003 because of a deadlock in the talks over market entry.
The website reported Chinese ambassador Chai Xi said at a meeting with the Malaysian agriculture ministry he was confident Malaysian durian would be popular in China.
“I believe many Chinese are looking forward to eating Malaysian durian as it is said to be more varied compared with Thailand’s,” he said at the meeting.
“I have worked in Thailand for 10 years and I know Malaysian durians taste better,” he added.
Mr Chai said the onus was on Malaysian authorities to work out import procedures with their Chinese counterparts.
Agriculture and Agro-based minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said ministry officials would ensure the necessary measures were taken to meet the stipulations of the Chinese authorities.
