Fruit and vegetable export turnover increased from 3.3 billion USD in 2022 to 5.6 billion USD in 2023 and will reach 7.2 billion USD this year. The figure of 8 billion USD is forecast to be achieved in 2025.
Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen - General Secretary of Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association - had an interview with reporters. Industry and Trade Newspaper around this issue.
As 2024 is coming to an end, how do you evaluate the overall picture of fruit and vegetable exports this year?
This year, the fruit and vegetable industry will certainly set a new record. In 2022, the export turnover of fruits and vegetables will only reach 3.3 billion USD. Last year, we had a record of 5.6 billion USD, and this year we are expected to earn from 7.1 to 7.2 billion USD. In the general "picture" of fruit and vegetable exports, there is a growth in turnover for each group of products compared to the same period last year.
Among them, durian has the highest growth rate. It is expected that this year, the export of this product will earn over 3.2 billion USD. Thanks to durian export An increase of 1 billion USD compared to last year has pushed the total export turnover of the whole industry to increase to over 7 billion USD.
As for products such as passion fruit, grapefruit, fresh coconut, frozen durian, these are new products that have just opened the market, businesses are still struggling with the issue of applying for growing area codes, packaging facility codes, and establishing relationships with foreign partners. In other words, businesses are currently in the preparation process. Some products such as grapefruit and coconut have exported the first shipments but not much. Next year, these products will be able to promote their advantages.
Regarding the export market story, how do you evaluate this?
The report of the General Department of Customs shows that the Northeast Asian region such as China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan (China), Hong Kong (China), etc. accounts for nearly 80% of the total export turnover of the vegetable and fruit industry; the remaining 20% will be exported to the markets of Europe, the US, the Middle East, etc.
Therefore, the Northeast Asian market is very important for the Vietnamese fruit and vegetable industry. The population of this region is large, the GDP of these markets is high, and the countries in the Top 10 countries with the largest economies in the world are also in this region. In addition, these markets are very close to Vietnam's supply source. Therefore, logistics costs, transportation time, and preservation are more favorable than exporting to other markets. This is the competitive advantage of Vietnamese fruits and vegetables and we can export a lot to these markets. In the coming time, we need to exploit these markets further by opening new products, and at the same time find ways to penetrate deeper into their consumption networks.
To penetrate these markets, we also need to improve quality and avoid violations of pesticide residues. Then, we will dominate the export market.
With the support of the Government, ministries and branches in signing free trade agreements, protocols, etc., the export turnover of vegetables and fruits will increase.
Evidence shows that Vietnam's durian exports were nearly 10 years behind Thailand's, but now we have surpassed Thailand. Or with bananas, we used to be second or third in export to China, but now we have risen to first place.
In particular, with its geographical location in Southeast Asia, adjacent to the 3,260km long East Sea coast and tropical monsoon climate conditions with large annual rainfall favorable for the crop growing industry, Vietnam has great potential to become one of the leading countries in the production and export of tropical vegetables, flowers and fruits in the regional and international markets.
Many opinions say that Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports could reach 10 billion USD. What is your comment on this number?
This figure is entirely achievable. Previously, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development set a target of USD 5 billion in fruit and vegetable exports by 2025. However, in 2023, we recorded USD 5.6 billion and this year we expect to earn over USD 7 billion.
It is likely that new products signed with China such as fresh coconuts or frozen durians will be effective in the coming year. It is forecasted that by 2025, fruit and vegetable exports will earn 8 billion USD. The target of 10 billion USD is not too far away. Of course, we have to go slowly, not quickly.
Vietnam's vegetable and fruit export potential is still very large, the area of fruit trees planted by people is expanding, the quality is improving. Certainly, the market share of Vietnamese vegetables and fruits in the world market will increase.
Thank you!
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