Gyeongnam and Changwon, known for their sweet persimmon production in South Korea, have begun exporting the fruit to Dubai, making it the first shipment to the Middle East following exports to Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Singapore. The export was marked with a shipping ceremony on December 16, with a shipment of 0.8 tons (80 boxes) sent to gauge the local market's reaction. This move is significant for stabilizing domestic prices and enhancing the product's internal and external recognition.