Thailand’s durian industry has urged the country’s government to establish a rail link to China, so exporters can meet rising demand.
According to a report from Asia News Network, the Thai Durian Association has urged the government to ease congestion by linking Thailand’s rail network with the Laos-China railway.
Currently under construction, the Laos-China railwayis expected to be completed in 2024, however, the Thai industry expects durian exports to continue to grow over the coming years.
Phanusak Saiphanich, chairman of the Thai Durian Association urged the government to reach an agreement with Laos on linking the rail routes.
“They Chinese consume an average 2kg of durian per person per year and the market still has room to expand, but there is a problem with distribution,” said Saiphanich.
Thailand currently ships durians to China via seafreight and road freight. Transportation by ship takes longer and places the products at more risk of spoilage. However, ships are a cheaper transportation method than trucks.
Either way, Saiphanich says the industry is struggling to keep up with demand from China.
