In Thailand's lush Chanthaburi province, durian farmer Kosai oversees a high-tech orchard where sensors monitor soil moisture and weather patterns – a collaboration between Thai agricultural groups and China's Foreign Economic Cooperation Center. This digital partnership, part of APEC's push for smarter regional trade, is reshaping one of Asia's most iconic fruit industries.
Under the Smart Farm Integrated Development Pilot Program launched in 2023, Chinese-developed IoT devices help Thai farmers optimize water usage and crop quality. The initiative has expanded to streamline supply chains and marketing, with live-streamed e-commerce campaigns introducing Thai durians to millions of Chinese consumers.
The results speak volumes: China imported 1.56 million tons of durians worth $6.99 billion in 2024, nearly 60% sourced from Thailand. This technological transformation not only boosts yields but strengthens agricultural ties across the Asia-Pacific, creating a model for sustainable cross-border cooperation.
