Thai durian exporters have welcomed an exemption for their offering under Indonesia’ controversial import quota system, according to media reports.
Indonesian authorities had not issued any import quotas for durian over the second half of the year, in order to protect domestic production and marketing of the fruit.
However, Somkiat Triratpan, deputy director-general of Thailand’s Trade Negotiations Department, told nationmultimedia.com that a special quota of 5,000 tonnes had been made available to Thai exporters over the months of September and October.
“'Indonesian people favour Thai durian,” Triratpan said. “The extension of the import quota for Thai farmers should be an opportunity for them to generate better prices.”
Triratpan said Thailand was in negotiations with Indonesia over a mutually recognised arrangement for horticultural imports, which would have a particular focus on improving bilateral access for shalotts and fresh fruit.
