Vietnam's fruit, vegetable exports reach new milestone, topping 7 billion USD

Vietnam’s efforts in expanding export markets for its fruits and vegetables in 2024 has paid off as for the first time, the export of these products has brought home 7.2 billion USD, much higher than the figure of 3.3 billion USD two years ago.

Illustrative photo (Photo: VNA)
Illustrative photo (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnam’s efforts in expanding export markets for its fruits and vegetables in 2024 has paid off as for the first time, the export of these products has brought home 7.2 billion USD, much higher than the figure of 3.3 billion USD two years ago.

Vietnamese pomelos have officially entered the Republic of Korean, while passion fruits have made their way to Australia. Additionally, Vietnam and China signed protocols to facilitate Vietnamese fresh coconuts and frozen durians to enter the Chinese market. Particularly, Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports to China exceeded 4 billion USD this year.

Deputy Director of the Plant Protection Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) Nguyen Quang Hieu said that this success is not only due to the introduction of new products into the markets but also reflects the ability of Vietnamese fruits to meet import requirements. It highlights the awareness among producers and exporters about adhering to regulations when entering new markets.

Discussing the negotiation and market entry processes, particularly for frozen durians and other agricultural products into China, Hieu noted that the department has successfully aligned the agreement terms with both Chinese regulations and Vietnam's production conditions, yielding significant benefits for businesses, cooperatives, and farmers in terms of both input costs and administrative procedures.

The positive results of fruit exports are also attributed to efforts in guiding farmers to successfully implement off-season cultivation techniques.

Nguyen Quoc Manh, Deputy Director of the MARD's Crop Production Department, said that the economic benefits of off-season cultivation for five fruit types - dragon fruit, mango, rambutan, durian, and longan - have increased by 1.5 to 2 times compared to traditional harvesting seasons. This allows Vietnam to export fruits all year-round, with durian as a prime example.

However, the success of market openings and the processing industry has put the coconut sector at risk of severe raw material shortages.

Nguyen Thi Kim Thanh, President of the Vietnam Coconut Association, said that many companies have invested in facilities and factories in the southern province of Ben Tre - the coconut capital of Vietnam, but the local supply is insufficient. As a result, many enterprises have had to halt operations or function at minimal capacity, achieving only 10-15% of their potential output.

Over the past decade, companies engaging with the global market have recognised trends and invested heavily in modern machinery. Currently, Vietnam's coconut processing technology is on par with international standards.

Vietnam's coconuts are becoming a high-value export item, and processed coconut products have significant potential to enhance the value of coconuts and increase incomes for local farmers. In 2024, the export turnover of coconuts is expected to reach 900 million USD, setting a new record.

Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy, Director of the MARD’s Department of Science, Technology, and Environment, said that in addition to fresh coconut exports, the coconut processing industry now accounts for over 70% of export value. Almost every part of the coconut is utilised, which is essential for developing a circular and multi-value agricultural model.

Nguyen Thanh Binh, President of the Vietnam Vegetable and Fruit Association, emphasised that for Vietnamese products to penetrate deeper into China, Vietnam must address the issues of long transport distance, higher costs, high rates of spoiled products.

Vietnam must restructure fruit production to ensure large-scale, concentrated production that meets high-quality standards and complies with market regulations. While issues of area codes, packaging codes, and quarantine subjects are not new, Vietnamese companies need to excel in these areas to enter the Chinese market more effectively.

Additionally, investment in post-harvest processing technology and preservation methods during transport, storage, and distribution is essential. Efficient transport methods are needed to ensure Vietnamese fruits reach distant regions as quickly as possible. There is also a need to diversify products, including not just fresh fruits but processed items and a wider variety, to enhance consumer choices, Binh emphasised./.

VNA

See more

Vietnam's exports to the US have promoted GDP growth this year. (Photo: VNA)

Domestic factors to drive Vietnam's GDP growth in 2025: VinaCapital

While Vietnam's exports to the US have bolstered GDP growth this year, domestic factors, including the Government’s increasing spending on infrastructure, real estate market recovery, and consumption, will help the country maintain its economic expansion at around 6.5% in 2025, according to the latest report from VinaCapital.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh witnesses the handover ceremony of cooperation agreements between Vietnamese and UAE enterprises. (Photo: VNA)

UAE a vital market of Vietnam in Middle East: Ambassador

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) remains a vital market and partner for Vietnam in the Middle East, Vietnamese Ambassador to the UAE Nguyen Thanh Diep has told the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s reporter in the Middle East and North Africa.

Ministry proposes extending agricultural land tax exemption through 2030

Ministry proposes extending agricultural land tax exemption through 2030

The Ministry of Finance has proposed the National Assembly extend the agricultural land tax exemption until December 31, 2030, a move aimed at encouraging investments in agriculture and rural areas to improve the competitive edge of the agricultural products amidst deeper international integration.

Illustrative image (Photo: Internet)

E-commerce leads digital transformation in businesses

E-commerce has become a key driver of the digital economy, with an impressive growth rate of 25% in 2023, and is projected to account for 10% of total retail revenue by 2025. This trend not only creates significant opportunities but also pushes businesses to adapt quickly and achieve critical milestones in digital transformation.

At the event (Photo: VNA)

Industrial parks to go green, adopt sustainable models: forum

Domestic and international industrial parks and related stakeholders shared experiences implementing smart and sustainable industrial park models and proposed policy solutions to transition Vietnamese industrial parks from traditional models to smart and sustainable ones at the Vietnam Industrial Park Forum held in Ho Chi Minh City on December 19.

People shop at the festival in Soc Son district. (Photo: kinhtedothi.vn)

Hanoi shopping festival 2024 launched

The Hanoi Investment, Trade, and Tourism Promotion Centre and the Soc Son district People's Committee on December 20 kicked off the Hanoi Shopping Festival 2024 in the district’s Tien Duc commune on December 20.