The train carries nearly 70 tons of fresh coconuts from the West to China.

On October 25, at Song Than station (Binh Duong province), Vietnam Railway Corporation coordinated with localities to organize the departure ceremony of the first train carrying fresh coconuts for export to China.

The train carrying fresh coconuts to China departs from Song Than station - Photo: DUC PHU

Mr. Luu Van Phi, Director of the Department of Industry and Trade of Tien Giang province, said that according to statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, among the 63 provinces and cities nationwide, there are three localities with the largest coconut growing areas: Ben Tre, Tra Vinh and Tien Giang.

In the past, Tien Giang province has also developed a project to develop coconut trees but it has not been widely implemented because it has not found an outlet for coconut trees. When the Government signed a protocol on exporting fresh coconuts with China, it opened up an opportunity for the project to be implemented. This is also an opportunity for coconut farmers to increase their income and change their lives.

"Transporting fresh coconuts by intermodal transport will reduce costs and make customs procedures more convenient. This helps businesses have more profits to share with farmers.

With the above advantages, I also expect that our coconut will also become a billion-dollar commodity like durian," said Mr. Phi.

At the ceremony, Mr. Phan Quoc Anh, Deputy General Director of Vietnam Railway Corporation, said that with 10 free trade agreements in effect, opportunities for goods to be exported internationally have been expanded. Currently, China has granted import licenses for many types of Vietnamese fruits, including fresh coconuts.

The train carrying 67.5 tons of fresh coconuts on a 7-day journey is a product of cooperation between the Railway Transport and Trade Joint Stock Company (train operator) and Fado iExport Joint Stock Company.

"In recent times, the State has paid attention to and prioritized the development of international transport. Our country is also making efforts to urgently build railway lines connecting with China and Laos... Railway transport is facing great development opportunities," said Mr. Anh.

Fresh coconuts are packaged for export - Photo: DUC PHU

Enterprises propose upgrading Song Than station

Mr. Pham Tan Dat, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Fado iExport Joint Stock Company, said that the company has a lot of experience exporting agricultural products to many international markets. Based on practical experience, the company has analyzed and researched methods of transporting fresh coconuts by road, air, water and rail.

Through that, businesses realize that rail transportation has many advantages, not only the ability to distribute deep into mainland China but also expand to other markets such as Kazakhstan, Russia...

According to Mr. Dat, compared to other methods, rail transport will save more costs and ensure on-time delivery. The company also recommended that authorities have plans to upgrade and expand intermodal stations such as Song Than station to develop into regional logistics centers.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/doan-tau-lien-van-cho-gan-70-tan-dua-tuoi-mien-tay-di-trung-quoc-20241025111325556.htm