Flagship Use Case: Durian Digital Collaboration Framework

The Durian Digital Collaboration Framework is a pioneering multi-country initiative that aims to demonstrate how interoperable digital systems can support safe, sustainable, and commercially viable cross-border agrifood trade.

Supported under ADB TA 9916 and aligned with the Kunming Agriculture Strategy and the GMS Digitalization Action Plan (2025–2027), this flagship use case brings together partners from Thailand, China, and Viet Nam, showcasing the potential of digital innovation to transform the high-value durian industry — one of the fastest-growing agri-exports in the GMS.

Why Durian?

• Durian is a highly traded commodity in the GMS, with booming demand from China.

• The sector faces complex challenges: ensuring food safety, traceability, compliance with SPS standards, and promoting sustainable waste management.

• The durian value chain offers an ideal testbed for building a circular, digitally traceable, and climate-smart model that can be adapted to other commodities.
  
  

Framework Components

✅ Farm-Level Smart Solutions

• IoT-based farm monitoring

• Pest control systems

• Fruit maturity testing (Durio Scan)

• Blockchain and cloud platforms for real-time farm data
  
  

✅ Cross-Border Traceability

• Integration of RFID and QR systems

• Data exchange with multiple platforms

• Alignment with global standards and CCIC standards for interoperable trade
  
  

✅ Sustainability and Circular Economy

• Durian waste valorization (biochar, green finance models)

• Climate-smart practices to reduce emissions

• Exploration of carbon credit opportunities
  
  

✅ Trade Facilitation

• Streamlined certification and customs processes

• Digital documentation for faster clearance

• Enhanced transparency for Chinese buyers and regulators

Partners & Contributors

• Thai Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives

• NSTDA / NECTEC (Thailand)

• GS1 (Thailand and China)

• Durio Innovation Co. Ltd. (Thailand)

• CCIC (China)

• FECC MARA (China)

• TA 9916 / ADB

• Aruka Capital 

• GMS regulatory agencies and private sector partners

Future Directions

🎯 Scaling Up within Thailand and across other GMS exporters

🎯 Expanding traceability and circular economy solutions to additional fruit and agri products

🎯 Harmonizing digital standards across the GMS and ASEAN region

🎯 Building sustainable financing mechanisms (green finance, carbon markets)

🎯 Strengthening public-private partnerships to support inclusive digital adoption

Why It Matters

The Durian Digital Collaboration Framework serves as a flagship use case for Entry Point IV (Innovation and Piloting in Agriculture) of the GMS Digitalization Action Plan. It provides a replicable model for:

• Enabling safe and traceable cross-border trade

• Driving sustainable agrifood transformation

• Supporting climate goals

• Enhancing smallholder participation in high-value markets