Fresh-cut flowers from southwest China's Yunnan Province are gaining global traction, with exports surging due to improved cultivation, higher quality, efficient transport, and innovative partnerships.
Known as the "Kingdom of Flowers," Yunnan produces a diverse variety of blooms, highly sought after by domestic consumers. Now, local flower growers are expanding into international markets and achieving significant success. According to the Kunming Customs, in 2024, the export value of fresh-cut flowers from Yunnan reached 760 million yuan (about 104 million U.S. dollars), marking a 34 percent year-on-year increase. Major export destinations include Thailand, Japan, and Singapore.
Zhou Yulian, a local flower grower and wholesaler, has witnessed these changes firsthand. She recalled visiting a flower shop in Kazakhstan years ago and seeing only a handful of Chinese flowers. Now, they make up a significant portion of the selection. "The growth can be attributed to the steadily improving quality of our locally grown flowers, enhanced by better cultivation techniques. Additionally, our prices are relatively competitive," she said.
Her views are echoed by Xie Yaorong, manager of Kunming Huaeb Technology Co., Ltd., who began exploring overseas markets as early as 1999. Today, his business spans around 20 countries, with Southeast Asia as a key market. "We ship about 20 truckloads to Thailand each month. During festive seasons like the one we're having now, that number increases to around 40 truckloads, with each truck carrying roughly 400,000 stems. So, the sales are quite strong," Xie said.
Thanks to the smooth Kunming-Bangkok Expressway and efficient customs procedures, trucks loaded with freshly cut blooms reach Thailand in just three days, where Chinese flowers are in high demand.
"Roses are very popular, especially red roses. The carnations also sell well because they're long lasting. When they're in a bouquet, they last for a long time. So, customers like it," said Phatchamon Saelao, a Thai florist.
Besides, Xie's company is partnering with businesses in key markets, setting up overseas warehouses to streamline distribution.
As the Belt and Road Initiative, proposed by China in 2013, expands, Yunnan's flower farmers are also embracing new partners, including those in the Middle East.
"Our flowers are competitively priced in Dubai, and our output is also very high. Currently, we export between six to 10 tonnes per week to the city, which is almost enough to fill up the entire plane," Xie said.
Flower exports from Yunnan see strong growth
Officials and scholars from the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region have welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping's keynote address at the opening ceremony of the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC Forum in Beijing on Tuesday.
They said that the speech laid out the practical achievements and broad prospects of the China-LAC community with a shared future, put forward new initiatives and actions for the development of China-LAC relations, and signaled the direction for both sides to achieve common development and revitalization and write a new chapter in China-LAC relations.
"The projects designed by China for this region meet the needs of Latin American countries. In terms of development and investment projects, such as infrastructure, clean energy and digitalization, they are very important for Cuba. And projects such as the planned Brazil-Peru bi-oceanic railway and the expansion of the port of La Guaira in Venezuela directly and indirectly create jobs and benefit Latin American people," said Eduardo Regalado, a researcher at the International Policy Research Center of Cuba.
Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi said that his country is committed to carrying forward the positive momentum of the China-CELAC Forum when it assumes the rotating presidency of CELAC from Colombia in 2026.
"Uruguay is looking forward to taking over next year and continuing the tradition of the past decade. To this end, we must strengthen the development of these platforms for promoting multilateralism, and carefully protect the achievements made by both sides at this year's meetings. We should not only achieve development in the field of economy and trade, but also contribute to promoting world peace," he said.
Other politicians from Latin America pointed out that China and LAC countries are all important members of the Global South, and are comprehensive cooperative partners featuring equality, mutual benefit and shared development. In a profoundly changing world, the strengthening of China-LAC solidarity and collaboration is an example of true multilateralism and sets a model for South-South cooperation, some said.
"President Xi Jinping has a broad vision for global development. China has made amazing development achievements, which have become a part of modern society, including technology, artificial intelligence and clean energy. The inflow of Chinese investment, such as for the construction of Chancay Port, has activated development in a variety of sectors [in Peru]," said Edgar Tello, a Peruvian congressman.
"President Xi Jinping announced the strengthening of South-South cooperation and the launch five programs. It will give more Latin American people the opportunity to study in China. China will provide a 66-billion-yuan (about 9.16 billion U.S. dollars) credit line to provide financial support for the development of LAC countries. And China will promote the civilization program to carry out cooperation in archaeology and civilization research. Such mutual cooperation and win-win initiatives between China and LAC countries are inspiring. We in Honduras are sincerely delighted with the series of cooperation plans announced by President Xi," said Rasel Tome, vice president of the National Congress of Honduras.
Officials, scholars praise Xi's keynote speech at China-CELAC Forum
