The expert arrived in Vietnam on September 2 to continue monitoring the treatment of fruit destined for his country, which recently underwent a hiatus due to Covid-19.

US expert Timothy Westbrook (L) and plant quarantine officials inspect dragon fruits to be exported to the US market.

Speaking at a press conference on September 25, Westbrook said the US is now a crucial importer of Vietnam’s agricultural products.

Six Vietnamese fruits have been licensed to enter the market.

Facing difficulties from the coronavirus outbreak, the US recalled many of its staff in March, including those at the APHIS, in Vietnam. APHIS employees, however, are in charge of monitoring the handling of fruit at the Son Son irradiation centre - the only Vietnamese facility of this kind recognised by APHIS.

While waiting for US plant quarantine experts, the Plant Protection Department worked with the US Embassy in Vietnam, asking it to send a staff member to monitor fruit irradiation to maintain exports.

Data shows that Vietnam shipped over 6,000 tonnes of fruit to the US in 2019 and more than 3,000 tonnes in the first half of 2020, up slightly against the same period last year.

Fruitful work: northern highlands district plucks trademark persimmons

In the northern highlands province of Lang Son, Van Lang District farmers are harvesting the distinctively crispy and sweet Vanh Khuyen persimmons.

Vietnam to resume export of fruit to the US

The export of Vietnamese fresh fruit to the US will resume this week following the interruption since early August due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Vietnamese fruit exports to US halted as Covid-19 keeps inspecting officials away

Vietnamese fruit exporters have not been able to ship to the U.S. for days due to a lack of officials to inspect the safety of their products.

Priority given to dragon fruit exports through Lao Cai border gate

The management board of the Lao Cai Economic Zone has instructed the local authorised agencies to give priority to the export of dragon fruit through Kim Thanh Border Gate to minimise wasted time and ensure the quality and value of the fruit.

Luc Ngan prioritises investment in transport - urban infrastructure, raising value of key fruit areas

(BGO) - After the 5-year implementation of the Resolution of the 24th district Party Congress for the 2015-2020 tenure, despite numerous difficulties, with high determination, solidarity and creativity, the Party Organisation, authorities and people of ethnic groups in Luc Ngan district have achieved comprehensive results in all areas, basically meeting and surpasing the targets set by the Congress.

Source: NDO/VNA