A farmer picks chrysanthemums at a Chinese medical material base in Donghu Village, Nanchuan District of southwest China's Chongqing, Oct. 29, 2023. (Photo/Xinhua)

Chongqing - Recently, citrus buyers from Southeast Asian countries such as Bangladesh, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam traveled thousands of miles to the fields of Shidi Town in Xiushan County, Chongqing, to secure orders, bringing the taste of Chongqing back to their countries.

In just a few years, oranges from Shidi Town in Xiushan County have gained popularity in overseas markets. In 2023, Shidi's citrus fruits made their historic first export of 100 standard containers, achieving independent brand origin certification, self-declaration, on-site inspection and quarantine, and direct shipments to ASEAN countries.

In 2024, the export transaction volume of Shidi citrus surged to 12 million yuan ($1.64 million). The total export of 200 standard containers is expected to exceed 30 million yuan, and the export value is anticipated to exceed 30 million yuan. For next year, Shidi Town aims to sell 400 standard containers.

"We have established the citrus export center, which provides a broader platform for trade. We will continue to enhance the reputation of Shidi citrus," said Chi Feng, Party Secretary of Shidi Town. Chi hopes that Shidi oranges will continue to go global, attracting more foreign buyers and expanding the reach of Xiushan's unique products.

"Xiushan is taking advantage of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor to vigorously develop its outward-oriented economy, with total imports and exports continuously growing," said Yang Shulin, Director of the Xiushan Commission of Commerce.

Xiushan has supported businesses' global expansion in recent years by strengthening logistics infrastructure, expanding market channels, and improving enterprise services. The country's import and export value grew from 70 million yuan at the end of 2022 to 350 million yuan by the end of November 2024, a fourfold increase in less than two years.

Chrysanthemums are also a standout agricultural export product of Chongqing.

Many supermarkets in Singapore prominently display a flower tea made from Chongqing chrysanthemums. The tea has a delicate fragrance and smooth taste. The chrysanthemums used in this tea are sourced from Yunyang County, Dianjiang County, Zhongxian County, and other areas in Chongqing.

"The main sales platforms are Singapore's major websites, the largest residential areas like Tampines, Chinatown, and some restaurants. We have many repeat customers," said Teng Lin, the Singapore general agent for Chongqing chrysanthemum.

In addition, these chrysanthemums have become a key feature of rural revitalization, boosting the income of tens of thousands of farmers.

"I've worked here for five or six years, and I can earn about 30,000 to 40,000 yuan a year," said Zhou Guiping, a local worker.

As of now, the planting area of the chrysanthemum in Chongqing has exceeded 33 square kilometers. Products like chrysanthemum drinks and chrysanthemum cakes have obtained organic food certifications from the EU, the US, and Japan, as well as FDA certification in the United States.

"The brand effect and market expansion in international markets are showing an upward trend," said Yang Xuemei, the head of Yunyang Yunshan Agricultural Development Co Ltd.

Meanwhile, Chongqing's Fuling pickled mustard tuber has become a delicacy on the tables of over 80 countries and regions.

In fact, more and more rural products from the city are increasingly making their way to international markets.

From January to October this year, Chongqing's agricultural product exports reached 1.29 billion yuan, an increase of 38.6 percent year over year. The export value of citrus surpassed 130 million yuan, a 113 percent increase from the previous year.

(Guo Faxiang, a reporter from Shangyou News, contributed the Chinese version of this report.)