China opens pineapple market to Malaysia for first time

SHANGHAI — China has opened the market to Malaysian pineapples for the first time, with the first batch of products arriving at the Shanghai Pudong International Airport Friday.

According to a statement released by Shanghai Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, the first batch of pineapples, weighing 120 kilograms, is a small quantity. The fruits will be sold in Shanghai.

The governments of China and Malaysia signed the trade protocol in May during the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing.

According to the plan, Malaysia is expected to export 12,000 tons of pineapples worth around 63.9 million yuan ($9.6 million) a year to China.

China is the largest trading partner of Malaysia.