HANOI: Vietnamese fruits are increasingly gaining access to the North-East Asian market, contributing significantly to the 2024 goal of US$7bil in export value of fruit and vegetables.

According to Dang Phuc Nguyen, secretary-general of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, as of the end of July, the export of fruit and vegetables had earned US$3.8bil, with durian alone accounting for 40% of the total.

This success is attributed to the implementation of free trade agreements that have opened the market and reduced tariffs for Vietnamese agricultural products.

Notably, in addition to China, markets in South Korea and Japan have seen good growth, making up 80% of the total value of Vietnamese fruit and vegetable exports.

Nguyen said that China, with its large population and high demand for fruits and vegetables, remains a traditional market for many Vietnamese fruits.

Meanwhile, Japan and South Korea are also populous countries with high incomes and high demand for quality agricultural products and members of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

Vietnam’s exports to the two markets enjoy benefits from reduced tariffs and lower transport and logistics costs, thanks to geographic distance, resulting in the quality of farm produce being maintained.

According to Luong Ngoc Quang from the Plant Protection Department, under the Agriculture and Rural Development Ministry, under the RCEP, China has allowed the import of 12 Vietnamese agricultural products, including dragon fruit, longan, lychee, mango and durian.

Japan has permitted dragon fruit, mango, lychee and longan from Vietnam to its market, while South Korea has recently granted approval or fresh grapefruit from Vietnam.

Quang emphasised that gaining market access for a product will open opportunities to increase export turnover and strengthen the position of Vietnamese agricultural products.

However, negotiations for market openings are complicated and time-consuming, with some talks taking three to five years, or longer in some cases.

Once access is approved, compliance with the importing country’s standards is crucial to avoid disruptions.

A single violation by a producer or a shipment could affect the entire industry, leading to warnings or suspension of exports.

Nguyen Thanh Hieu, deputy director of the Southern Fruit Research Institute, said that Vietnamese fruits are becoming more diverse with high quality, gaining popularity in various markets.

Following a period of international integration, most exporters have updated their knowledge of market regulations on food safety and plant quarantine.

Farmers, as the starting point of the agricultural value chain, often lack sources to keep up with regulatory changes.

Therefore, it is essential for regulatory bodies, local authorities and businesses to support farmers in improving their production standards, packaging and branding, thereby enhancing the reputation of Vietnamese fruits on the global market.

 - ANN