Authorities release 273ha of land for durian farming as the country makes further steps towards China access
Authorities in Laos’ Attapeu province have allowed three local companies to use 273ha of land to grow durian, according to reporting by The Vientiane Times.
The move makes up part of the government’s broader effort to increase commercial fruit production and is thought to be another step towards Laos becoming a durian supplier to China.
In Laos, the government owns the land, though Lao citizens and entities can be granted long-term land use rights through signed concessions.
Under these new concession agreements, the bulk of the 273ha of land will be used for durian cultivation while wooded areas will be preserved.
According to The Vientiane Times, the companies are also required to submit applications requesting investment licences and must fulfil other obligations, including paying taxes and other charges in line with legislation.
Durian plantations in Laos are rapidly expanding, driven primarily by Chinese investment in preparation for potential future exports.
Last October, a group of companies from China met with members of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce to discuss the matter, according to The Vientiane Times.
The publication said the Chinese group asked Laos to set up a series of associations including the Lao Durian Business Association, the Lao Durian Vocational Association, and a Lao durian research centre to oversee the growing durian industry.
Laos reportedly supported the proposal as part of important steps to gaining access for Lao durian to enter China.
