The value of Vietnam’s fresh produce export trade is expected to climb to US$2bn in 2015, according to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association.
The forecast follows a pattern of sustained growth for the sector, with export turnover rising from US$439m in 2009 to US$1.5bn last year.
Much of this growth seems to emanate from Vietnam’s ability to win access to developed global markets for certain horticultural products. For example, Vietnam’s lychee industry has been riding a wave of success after negotiating protocols to ship its fruit to France, Australia and the US within the last 12 months.
Exporters are also chasing new opportunities in high-value markets closer to home, with the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery granting access to mango imports from the Dong Nai province late last month. Japan remains Vietnam’s second largest export market, trailing China, with government officials now in negotiations to export red-flesh dragonfruit to the North Asian nation.
Nguyen Xuan Nhi, director of Tropical Fruit Export, said the rising success of the export sector is breathing new life into the country’s fresh fruit and vegetable industry. “Many more kinds of Vietnamese fruits and vegetables have approached strict export markets such as the US, Australia, the EU and Japan,” Nhi told Viet Nam News. “This will be a driving force for local farmers to develop fruit gardens and expand growing areas.”
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