The export of coconuts and coconut products in the southern province Ben Tre generated 136 million USD between January and September 2014, up by more than 45 percent compared to the same period last year.

Ho Vinh Sang, Chairman of the provincial Coconut Association, said earnings for dried coconuts and dried coconut flesh were up by 28 percent and 55 percent, respectively. The products were exported to 65 countries and territories all over the world.

Considered the region’s largest coconut market, Ben Tre is expected to harvest approximately 500 million coconuts this year.

The sector plans to expand coconut cultivation to areas vulnerable to climate change and reinvigorate 4,400ha of old coconut trees.
 
Numerous coconut processing firms are working to increase their output, with investment opportunities for foreign businesses.

Ben Tre now has approximately 65,000ha of coconut plantations, 13 percent of which are harvested for its milk, and the remainder for its flesh./.