Over the first quarter of this year, nearly 300,000 tons of high-quality agricultural products, including Thai coconuts, Vietnamese bananas, Cambodian bananas and Malaysian durian, from countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative have entered the China market, benefiting from smooth customs clearance at Waigaoqiao Port in Shanghai.

A shipment of 23.35 tons of Thai coconuts arrived at the port before the May Day holiday and the local customs in Waigangqiao area opened up a green channel to ensure the safe and rapid clearance of the fruits that met quarantine requirements.

"Usually, we will connect with the importer to obtain information about the arrival time and take convenient measures, such as declaration, in advance to ensure that the inspection is carried out immediately after the goods arrive," said Luo Zhen, deputy head of the inspection branch for imported fruits at the customs.

Wang Na, brand director of Shanghai Dule Food Co, noted that Thai coconuts are mainly produced in Damnoen Saduak and are relatively scarce. "Nowadays, Thai coconuts have broken the seasonality limit to become a hot-seller throughout the year. We are very optimistic about the Chinese fruit consumption market. Last year, we imported a total of 8,000 tons of Thai coconuts and this year's expected import volume will exceed 10,000 tons," said Wang.

In the first quarter of this year, Shanghai Port imported 380,000 tons of dry and fresh melons, fruits, as well as nuts from BRI countries, with a total value of 1.75 billion yuan ($252.9 million).

Shanghai Customs will optimize the trade structure, create a more efficient and convenient customs clearance environment, as well as improve the capacity and level of the ports.

Two officials of the Shanghai Customs check the durian newly delivered to China. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_01c6f7b4cf3d]