Insiders said many opportunities are opening for the sector as the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) is implementing numerous activities to promote its development.

Preliminary processing of fresh coconuts for export in Ben Tre Province.

Despite a range of challenges, the sector still surpassed the targets set for 2023.

According to statistics from the General Department of Customs, Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable export turnover hit an estimated 5.6 billion USD last year, a year-on-year surge of 66%. Durian surpassed dragon fruit to record the highest export value.

The largest importers of Vietnamese fruit and vegetables are China, the US, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Thailand, the Netherlands, Taiwan (China), Australia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Russia.

China remained the biggest import market for Vietnam, with annual import turnover reaching 3.7 billion USD, up nearly 250% in value and 65% in market share compared to 2022.

Ngo Tuong Vy, General Director of Chanh Thu Fruit Export Group JSC said that the company’s revenue in 2023 doubled compared to the previous year thanks to a rise in durian exports, which accounted for 80% of total revenue.

This year, the MARD will accelerate negotiations for the official export of Vietnamese fresh chilies and coconuts to the Chinese market. With the possibility of Vietnam also being allowed to be export frozen durians to China, the export turnover of fruit and vegetables in 2024 is forecast to increase significantly.

According to Phung Duc Tien, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, it is anticipated that four more products will be officially exported to China: medicinal herbs, coconuts, frozen fruits, and watermelons.

According to Nguyen Khac Tien, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Ameii Vietnam JSC, market surveys show that Chinese consumers are favouring processed durian products, which provides an advantage for Vietnam in producing more value-added products from durian.

Tien added that this market still holds great potential and opportunity for the export of Vietnamese fruit and vegetables.

Meanwhile, General Secretary of the Vietnam Vegetable and Fruit Association (VINAFRUIT) Dang Phuc Nguyen said Vietnam’s watermelon exports could double to reach 100 million USD this year after China’s protocol allowing the import of fresh watermelons from Vietnam takes effect.

Experts advised vegetable and fruit exporters to strictly abide by requirements and regulations on food safety, traceability, growing area code confirmation, and packaging stated in the signed protocols.

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Source: NDO