Dried coconuts are gathered in Giong Trom district. (Photo: VNA)
Ben Tre (VNA) – Southern Ben Tre province earned 737 million USD from shipping aboard coconut products over the past five year, accounting for 30 percent of its total export revenue.
In 2015 alone, exports of the projects reached 660 million USD, fulfilling almost 91 percent the yearly plan, according to the provincial Department of Industry and Trade.
Currently, Ben Tre produces 30 kinds of specialties from coconuts. Of the products, dried flesh, milk powder and tinned milk see an upward trend while sweets and fibre thread are experiencing the opposite trend for difficulties in seeking consumption markets.
According to Tran Van Duc, head of the Ben Tre Import Export JSC, coconut prices have been fluctuated in recent years, taking a toll on growers and exporters.
He proposed local authorities devise policy helping stabilise the prices and improve quality.
Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Huu Lap shared Duc’s opinion, urging the connection between businesses and growers to boost consumption and to cut out the intermediaries.
The area growing coconut trees, one of Ben Tre’s key plants, has been expanded in recen years from 55,870ha in 2011 to 68,167ha in 2015.
The province exported coconut products to 105 countries in 2015 compared to 70 countries recorded in 2011.-VNA
