Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports are expected to continue strong growth, aiming for a target of $7 billion in export revenue by the end of the year. Between January and August, the sector recorded an export turnover of $4.63 billion, a year-on-year increase of over 30%.
The recent signing of two key protocols between Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and China's General Administration of Customs (GACC) has further bolstered export potential. These agreements set forth plant quarantine and food safety requirements for shipments of frozen durians and fresh coconuts from Vietnam to China, anticipating a significant increase in exports to the vast Chinese market.
Nguyen Dinh Tung, CEO of VINA T&T Import Export Service Trading Co. Ltd, highlighted that the company is already exporting fresh coconuts to markets like the U.S. and Japan, and the new approval for the Chinese market presents substantial revenue opportunities.
Additionally, Vietnam's bananas and mangoes are gaining traction in China, with the country becoming the largest banana supplier, exporting nearly 420,000 tonnes in the first half of 2024, representing almost half of China's total banana imports. Vietnam also accounts for over 50% of China's mango imports.
Beyond China, Vietnamese fruits and vegetables are making headway in markets such as the U.S., South Korea, and ASEAN countries. The Ministry of Industry and Trade's Agency of Foreign Trade noted that there are practical opportunities for continued export growth. However, the sector must also focus on improving product quality to address issues like pesticide residues and heavy metal contamination.
The Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association forecasts that revenue from processed fruits and vegetables could reach $1.4 billion this year, marking a record high and contributing significantly to the overall export value.