Fruit imports to Macao have soared in the first half of the year, driven by a new customs agreement with Zhuhai, a coastal city in western Guangdong province, according to official data.

Between January and June, 117.39 tonnes of imported fruits were transported from Zhuhai to Macao, with a 532 percent year-on-year increase recorded in the second quarter alone, according to the Customs data.

The increased volume of fruits came after a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in inspection, quarantine and supervision of imported fruits, which was signed between Gongbei Customs in Zhuhai and the Macao Municipal Affairs Bureau in January.

The agreement streamlines inspection, quarantine and supervision procedures for imported fruit, further enhancing economic and trade cooperation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The initiative has opened a fast-track channel for tropical fruits such as pineapples, coconuts and mangosteens from countries including the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam to reach Macao via Zhuhai.

"Fruits arriving at the Zhuhai port from overseas can be transported to Macao within two hours after being sorted in the cold storage," said Wang Guangsheng, a manager with Zhuhai Mingkang Fruit and Vegetable Distribution Company.

The efficient channel not only ensures quality but also expands the vast market of high-end supermarkets and star-rated hotels in Macao, according to Wang.