This is the second year that his company has exported durian to the US. It only shipped 300 tonnes to the market even though the US wanted Donatechco to sign a long-term contract and become its exclusive distributor, Cuong added.

The Dona durian was selected by Donatechco and bred from Thailand’s Mong Thon durian after a contract between the company and local farmers was agreed several years ago.

The company has so far invested more than VND30 billion to help 6,000 local households in disadvantaged and mountain areas grow the fruit. It has also held courses to train farmers in the necessary.

This year, these households are expected to harvest almost 2,000 tonnes of durian fruit.

Last year, the company exported 15 tonnes of durian to the US and received good feedback about products’ quality. In 2008, it also sold 20 tonnes of the fruit to Shenzhen in China.