Fruit, vegetable exports see green shoots

Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports surge to a record high in 2023. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam’s fruit andvegetable exports surged to a record high in 2023, yet insiders said it isjust a start as ample room remains for the sector.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD)reported that the country earned 5.69 billion USD from fruit and vegetableexports in the year, up over 70% year-on-year.

China, the US, the Republic of Korea (RoK), Japan,Thailand, the Netherlands, and Australia were Vietnam’s biggest fruit andvegetable importers, especially neighbouring China that accounted for 65% ofthe revenue.

Surpassing dragon fruit, durian made up the lion’sshare with more than 2 billion USD, which is attributable to the protocol onphytosanitary requirements for Vietnamese durian exported to China.

Surpassing dragon fruit, durian makes up the lion’s share with more than 2 billion USD. (Photo: VNA)

Besides, other fruits like watermelon are expected tosee breakthroughs in exports as another protocol regarding quarantine requirementsfor watermelon exported from Vietnam to China has been signed, paving the wayfor the fresh fruit to officially enter the lucrative market, and similardocuments for chili, fresh coconut and frozen durian would be inked in the timeahead.

The MARD’s Plant Protection Department said it hascoordinated with importing countries to issue 6,997 growing area codes and1,613 packaging facility codes for fresh fruits, including dragon fruit, mango,star apple, banana, grapefruit, passion fruit, seedless lemon, longan, lycheeand chili, which are allowed to be shipped to China, the US, Australia, NewZealand, the RoK and Japan.

It has also worked with localities to expand growingareas and packaging facilities, and remove technical barriers, facilitating Vietnam's fresh fruits to enter foreign markets./.

VNA