HANOI – Vietnamese fresh pomelo has achieved a breakthrough by being officially exported to the Australian market, marking a significant milestone in the Vietnamese agricultural sector's integration into the global supply chain. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), in cooperation with the Australian Embassy in Vietnam, held a ceremony on Thursday to officially launch the export of Vietnamese pomelo to Australia and Australian blueberries to Vietnam.
Proving the Quality Growth of Vietnamese Agriculture
Mr. Hoang Trung, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment, emphasized that the entry of Vietnamese pomelo into the Australian market is more than just a commercial achievement; it is a major accomplishment that demonstrates the quality and competitiveness of Vietnamese agricultural products. This is the result of close cooperation among regulatory authorities, businesses, and farmers in both countries, with particular appreciation for the efforts of Vietnam’s Plant Production and Protection Department and Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) in establishing quarantine requirements, pest risk analysis, and phytosanitary standards.
This export approval signifies international recognition of Vietnam's capacity for quality control and phytosanitary management, solidifying Vietnam's position as a reliable, dynamic, and sustainable partner in the international supply chain.
Expanding New Markets and Deepening Agricultural Trade
Australia is the 15th country to which Vietnamese pomelo has officially been exported. This is particularly significant as it opens a key gateway in the Oceania region, following challenging markets such as the United States, South Korea, New Zealand, and Japan. Vietnam's pomelo cultivation area has nearly doubled, expanding from 50,000 hectares in 2015 to over 100,000 hectares this year, with an annual output of approximately 1 million tonnes. The growth trend is evident, with fresh pomelo exports last year reaching about $60 million.
Meanwhile, the announcement also introduces high-quality Australian blueberries to Vietnamese consumers. Gillian Bird, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, expressed optimism about utilizing the geographical proximity between the two countries, which allows Australian blueberries, grown in diverse soils and climates for high nutritional value and meeting strict safety standards, to arrive in Vietnam within 24 hours of harvest.
Last year, the agricultural and food trade between Vietnam and Australia amounted to $2.9 billion. This mutual market-opening agreement is expected to stimulate agricultural development, lay the groundwork for building complementary, two-way supply chains, and further deepen economic relations between the two nations.
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