Vietnamese passion fruits, coconuts see export chances in Australia, China

The Plant Protection Department under the the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) received a notice from the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) regarding the draft report on import requirements for fresh Vietnamese passion fruit in the market.

The DAFF said that fresh Vietnamese passion fruit may be allowed to be imported into the Australian market providing that the fruit meets biosecurity requirements.

The DAFF report also identified 11 pests that pose a biosecurity risk, including fruit flies, aphids, spider mites, and thrips. In order to reduce these risks, the report proposes a number of risk management measures, including the establishment of pest-free production regions.

The application of irradiation treatment is widely considered to be an effective measure with regard to the management of fruit fly species.

In 2022, Viet Nam's passion fruit output was estimated at 135,000 tons, mainly planted in Gia Lai and Dak Lak.  

Viet Nam's passion fruits are now exported to many markets, including the EU and China.

The General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) also unveiled that it would conduct a field inspection for Vietnamese planting regions and packaging facilities of fresh coconuts registering for export to the Chinese market.

The move aims to complete a pest risk analysis for fresh coconuts and provide a basis for the signing of the protocol moving forward.

Accordingly, the GACC’s examination will take place in mid-August via an online platform, field inspection, and relevant documents.

This is considered to be a positive sign for Vietnamese agricultural products as they seek to expand markets, said the Plant Protection Department.

After the inspection, China will conduct a risk assessment and propose appropriate import requirements to develop a protocol on importing fresh coconuts Viet Nam.

Localities are required to urgently review coconut growing areas and packaging facilities, as well as preparing sufficient dossiers and documents for the upcoming inspection.

Viet Nam is expected to earn US$1 billion from exports of fresh coconuts and products made from them this year, up from US$900 million last year. The country has become the fourth biggest coconut and coconut products exporter in the Asia-Pacific. Viet Nam has 188,000 hectares under coconut and produces 1.9 million tons annually./.