The Philippines will highlight durian in the upcoming China International Import Expo (CIIE) to be held in Shanghai, the Philippines' Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Friday.

The DTI said the country will send 17 Philippine business enterprises to the CIIE scheduled for Nov. 5-10.

The DTI's export promotion arm, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions, will lead the delegation of 17 local business enterprises, of returning and neophyte exporters "who will be at the forefront to push the boundaries and put a diverse selection of fine-tasting agricultural produce, including fresh durian, coconut and other related products, mango, and coffee", the department said.

"Anchored on the increasing popularity that durian is enjoying in China, the delegation will spotlight Philippine durian as the country's key feature along with other fresh produce and a diverse selection of uniquely Philippine-made food products," the DTI said.

China and the Philippines signed a protocol in January on the export of fresh durian, which opened up the fast-growing Chinese market for the tropical fruit that is widely grown in the Southeast Asian region.