Arabfields, Farah Benali, Economic Correspondent, China — Malaysia and China are exploring new measures to accelerate agricultural exports, as both countries seek to strengthen food trade, reduce logistical delays and expand access to one of Asia’s largest consumer markets.

The proposed initiative centres on a green lane pilot programme at Nanjing Lukou International Airport, which would simplify document verification and inspection procedures for selected Malaysian agricultural products. The arrangement is expected to benefit exporters of durians, bird’s nests, seafood and fresh fruit, particularly businesses dealing with products that require careful handling and rapid delivery.

The discussions reflect growing efforts by both governments to make agricultural trade more efficient while strengthening bilateral economic cooperation.

For Malaysian exporters, the proposed changes could have a direct impact on business operations. Fresh durians, for example, are particularly sensitive to transportation delays because their quality and market value depend heavily on harvesting, handling and delivery conditions.

The opportunity is already attracting commercial interest. Malaysian durian exporter Sri Walis (M) Sdn Bhd reported that its sales in China had tripled compared with the previous year. The company currently supplies customers in five major Chinese cities, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou, exporting approximately 1,000 tonnes of fresh durians annually and generating around RM30 million in revenue.

Its director, K.P. Pang, said the company was looking to increase annual shipments to between 2,000 and 3,000 tonnes as demand continues to develop. However, maintaining product quality during China’s summer season remains a significant challenge, highlighting the importance of reliable transportation and faster customs procedures.

The latest trade figures also point to considerable growth potential. Malaysia’s fresh durian exports to China increased by more than 500% in 2025, reaching approximately US$37 million, compared with around US$5 million previously. In the first quarter of 2026, total Malaysian durian exports to China reached approximately US$77 million, reflecting continued demand for both fresh and processed products.

Malaysia is targeting durian exports worth US$229 million by 2030. The country currently accounts for an estimated 4% to 5% of China’s durian market, with ambitions to increase its share to between 8% and 10% over the next five years. Achieving that objective will depend on production capacity, market demand and improvements in export logistics.

Beyond airport clearance, Malaysia and China are also examining alternative transportation arrangements. A proposed inspection protocol for fresh durians transported through third countries could eventually provide exporters with a more affordable alternative to conventional air freight. Malaysian authorities have also been discussing possible road and rail transit arrangements involving Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia.

These developments come as Malaysia’s wider agricultural trade faces a more complicated environment. Although the country’s overall exports remained strong in 2026, agricultural exports declined by 8.9% during the first eight months of the year, reaching RM65.44 billion. This underlines the importance of improving access to overseas markets and diversifying agricultural export opportunities.

The proposed green lane could therefore become an important instrument for strengthening Malaysia’s position in China’s food market. Faster inspections, more predictable approval procedures and improved transportation links would help exporters reduce losses, manage delivery schedules and respond more effectively to changing consumer demand.

For Malaysian farmers and agricultural businesses, the benefits could extend beyond higher export figures. Greater access to Chinese buyers could create opportunities for small producers, logistics companies, processors and distributors, while supporting investment in higher-value agricultural products.

The next challenge will be turning discussions into operational agreements. If both governments successfully implement the proposed measures and resolve outstanding regulatory requirements, Malaysia could see further growth in agricultural shipments to China over the coming years. However, the pace of expansion will ultimately depend on whether improved trade procedures translate into lower costs, consistent supply and stronger competitiveness in an increasingly crowded market.