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Produce exports decline slightly
Viet Nam earned US$245 million from fruit and vegetable exports in the first seven months of the year, down slightly by 0.2 per cent over same period in 2008, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
"This slight drop in the context of the global recession is a good signal from the country’s fruit and vegetable export industry," a representative from the ministry said.
In July only, the country’s fruit and vegetable export turnover was $35 million, according to the ministry.
In the first seven months of 2009, Russia was the country’s biggest market for these goods, having bought about 9.77 per cent of Vietnamese exported fruit and veg, equivalent to $26 million.
The second largest market was China with an export turnover of $24.7 million (about 9.59 per cent). Japan was third with 7.49 per cent.
According to the ministry, fruit and veg exports have seen positive signs since June.
Demand for these goods from some key markets, especially the EU, has increased. Many markets have high demand for processed vegetables, the ministry reported.
The Viet Nam Vegetable and Fruit Association predicts that the country’s vegetable and fruit export turnover in 2009 may reach $450 million, up by between $50 million and $60 million compared with 2008. To reach this goal, industry experts have studied the ecological conditions in different regions across the country to find the best locations for certain crops.
Also, the industry will continue to study and improve the quality of fruit trees and vegetables as well as modernise technology used to preserve exported fruit and veg.
Promotion
Industry experts will promote trade relations with foreign countries and strengthen activities to expand the market, advertise trade marks and develop traditional markets.
According to a report from the ministry, every year the country can harvest more than 7 million tonnes of fruit from a total 680,000ha.
The country’s most productive fruit trees in recent months have been plum in Lao Cai Province, oranges in Ha Giang, pomelo in Phu Tho, litchi in Bac Giang and longan in Hung Yen.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development have worked to boost exports of these fruits.
Vietnamese fruit and veg are sold to 20 markets worldwide. Export turnover increased from $334 million in 2001 to $390 million in 2008.
The industry’s main competitors are Thailand, China and the US.
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