Vietnam anticipates achieving record levels in fruit and vegetable exports in 2024, buoyed by efforts to establish export protocols for fresh coconut and frozen durian with China.
During the first quarter of the year, exports surged past the $1 billion mark for the first time, marking a robust 25.8% year-on-year increase.
According to Đặng Phúc Nguyên, General Secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, durian represents a significant portion of these exports, with further growth expected as the Central Highlands region enters harvest season.
Nguyên emphasized the potential for substantial expansion in fruit and vegetable exports if Vietnam secures export protocols for these two products with China. He estimated potential revenues of up to $300 million for each product, which could propel total exports to exceed $6 billion in 2024.
Cao Bá Đăng Khoa, General Secretary of the Vietnam Coconut Association, expressed enthusiasm among businesses regarding the prospect of exporting coconuts to China pending the signing of the export protocol. He urged strict management of farming areas and packaging companies’ codes, as well as the implementation of product traceability measures by the Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Development.
Nguyên emphasized the importance of adhering to crop protection agent residue regulations for crops exported to China, advocating for the adoption of VietGAP standards among farmers and businesses.
Đoàn Thúy Giang, Chairman of Vĩnh Khang Group Joint Stock Company, highlighted plans to invest in cold storage facilities and export durian in frozen form to China. Recognizing China’s strong demand for durian and Vietnam’s competitive pricing, Giang sees significant opportunities for Vietnamese durian in the Chinese market.
Authorities from the Plant Protection Department and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development stressed the need for enhanced oversight of farms and packing facilities to ensure product quality from the early stages of production. They also called for local authorities to incentivize investments in infrastructure, processing, preservation, and cold storage facilities to support the growth of Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable export industry.