Economics
China: how have farmers benefited from the World Bank Integrated Modern Agriculture Development Project?
On a warm, rainy day in Shantian Village of Luo Fang Town in Jiangxi Province, farmer Liu Jian, along with five other locals, welcomed our World Bank mission team, including technical experts from the Investment Centre of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), into his home.
All six have benefited from the Integrated Modern Agriculture Development Project (IMAD) Project since 2014, when implementation began by the County Office for Comprehensive Agriculture Development.
The project focuses on developing sustainable and climate-smart agriculture in six provinces across China. In Shantian Village, the project has funded new and improved irrigation systems, showcased farming practices that enrich the soil without the use of chemicals, introduced new crop varieties, and helped train farmers on how to increase crop yields while also protecting the environment.
One of the new practices introduced by the project is “no-tillage” seeding in rice paddies. “We were skeptical at first, so we each only tried it on a small amount of land,” farmer Liu Jian recalled, “Then we found it worked much better.”
Another farmer, Liu Daigeng, nodded in agreement: “It is less labor intensive, and the new crop varieties bring better yields and higher prices. We’ll still change the variety after a couple of years, but right now this [new variety] works best for us.”
Similar stories were told at another meeting with farmers from Hengdong County’s Evergreen Cooperative in Hunan Province, where the project helped them improve their irrigation and drainage systems. As a result, irrigation water has become more consistently available, and farmers could better plan their crops.
At a nearby vegetable cooperative, the project helped set up a cold storage facility to help preserve produce and provided training on how to better market, package, and add value to the peppers that the farmers were selling.
In the Shanzhang Town of Hengdong County, the project helped the Gifu Water Users’ Association construct a new canal and buy pump and other irrigation and drainage infrastructure. It also helped train farmers on how to manage and preserve the village’s water system. This investment benefited 97 percent of the households in the area, who previously had no consistent access to irrigation water due to broken canals and changes in weather patterns. Farmers have also begun adopting climate smart practices like alternate wetting and drying for rice paddies, which reduces emissions of greenhouse gases.
Our World Bank mission team, with technical assistance from the FAO Investment Centre, also held a three-day National Workshop on Sustainable and Climate-Smart Agriculture for 110 participants, including project management staff, engineering design contractors, and monitoring and evaluation specialists in Chongqing Municipality.
Our subsequent field visits to Kaixian, Hengdong, and Yushui show that the IMAD Project has helped improve farmers’ resilience to climate change through improved irrigation systems and…
Business
EU’s Solar Initiatives in Southeast Asia Impacted by US-China Trade Tensions
中国拥有的太阳能公司在东南亚，尤其是泰国、越南、马来西亚和柬埔寨，正面临潜在的挑战和机遇。
Challenges for Chinese Solar Companies in Southeast Asia
Chinese-owned solar companies in Southeast Asia, especially in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia, are encountering significant challenges. These nations are becoming crucial markets for solar energy; however, increased competition and regulatory hurdles are complicating their operations.
Regulatory Hurdles
Many Southeast Asian governments are implementing stricter regulations for foreign investments in renewable energy sectors. This development may hinder Chinese companies’ ability to navigate local laws and establish a strong foothold in these growing markets.
Market Competition
Beyond regulatory challenges, the competition among local and international solar companies is intensifying. To succeed, Chinese firms must innovate and adapt their strategies to meet regional demands while maintaining cost-effectiveness and securing partnerships with local entities.
Source : EU’s solar plans in SE Asia caught in US-China trade war
Business
Malaysia Launches ‘Luxury’ Durian Exports to China as Indonesia Eyes Market Opportunities
Malaysia has begun exporting fresh durian to China, targeting high-end consumers with 40 tonnes shipped in phases. China, the largest durian buyer, may eventually import from Indonesia pending compliance with standards.
Malaysia’s Fresh Durian Shipment to China
Malaysia has successfully sent its first shipment of fresh durians to China, aiming to capture the interest of a market largely supplied by Thailand and Vietnam. This shipment includes 40 tonnes released in three phases, as announced by Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup. China represents the world’s largest durian importer, having purchased 1.4 million tonnes last year, with a significant portion sourced from Thailand.
Emphasis on Quality
Malaysian exporters, having met China’s phytosanitary requirements, are focusing on the quality of their products rather than sheer volume. Lim Chin Khee from the Durian Academy states that Malaysian durians are considered luxury items, targeting high-end consumers. The first shipment of 20 tonnes has already reached the Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport, fetching prices that can reach 200 yuan (approximately $28) per fruit.
Indonesia’s Durian Prospects
Indonesia is also exploring opportunities in the Chinese durian market, with discussions surrounding compliance to China’s phytosanitary standards ongoing. As reported, Indonesian officials are eager to establish a protocol that could facilitate durian exports, considering the strong demand in China. Lynn Song from ING emphasizes that should these negotiations succeed, Indonesian durians could effectively carve a niche in the burgeoning market.
Source : Malaysia starts ‘luxury’ durian exports to China as Indonesia sniffs the market
Business
Vietnam’s Exports of Fruits and Vegetables to Thailand Surge by 70%
Thailand has become Vietnam’s fourth largest fruit and vegetable market, with exports rising significantly, particularly in durians, as Thailand faces supply shortages due to droughts.
Growth in Bilateral Trade
Thailand has risen to become Vietnam’s fourth-largest market for fruits and vegetables, according to recent customs data from the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association. This shift from sixth place last year is largely attributed to increased demand, particularly for frozen durian. China continues to dominate as the top buyer, importing nearly $2.5 billion worth, a 25% increase.
Rising Imports and Export Dynamics
The United States and South Korea have also contributed to this growth, with imports from Vietnam surging by 31% and 51%, totaling $189 million and $188 million, respectively. Overall, Vietnam’s exports reached an estimated $4.6 billion, a 29% increase, as the country capitalizes on year-round durian cultivation.
Changing Trade Relationships
The trade landscape between Vietnam and Thailand has transformed significantly over the past decade. Thailand, once the leading supplier of fruits and vegetables to Vietnam, saw its imports drop to just $46.5 million in 2023. However, imports have surged 35% this year, reaching $32 million, with popular items including dates and mangosteens.
Source : Vietnam fruit, vegetable exports to Thailand rise by 70% – VnExpress International
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