Myanmar sends first watermelon shipment to Middle East

Myanmar has started exporting watermelons to the Middle East, with the first shipment heading for the UAE last week. Other destinations are to be added, as the country seeks to diversify its exports markets, reports the Myanmar Times.

U Naing Win, chair of the Myanmar Melon Producers and Exporters Association, said,

“We have been exporting watermelons for the past 30 years and this is the first time we are engaging with the UAE. We will also be exporting to Qatar as well as Singapore soon.”

The move is intended to reduce dependence on the Chinese market. “If we are able to export regularly to Dubai, Qatar and Singapore, we won’t face such problems. The price will be more stable as these countries make orders by the container whereas watermelons are delivered to China on trucks, which are subject to customs checks and driver availability,” said Win.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, watermelon supplies have fallen in Myanmar after China shut down its borders. Watermelons can grow throughout the year in Myanmar.