Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports are projected to grow by 15% to 20% to reach a new record of between US$6 billion and US$7 billion in 2024, according to predictions released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD).

2023 can be considered a successful year for Vietnamese fruit and vegetables amid export turnover reaching US$5.69 billion, up 70% compared to the previous year.

Currently, the MARD is in the process of stepping up negotiations so that the country’s fresh chili and coconuts can be exported to the Chinese market via official channels.

Along with Vietnamese frozen durian being allowed to enter the northern neighbour, fruit and vegetable exports this year are forecast to also see a significant increase.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien pointed out that there are bright prospects ahead for the fruit and vegetable industry this year due to the signing of the protocol on plant quarantine requirements for fresh watermelons exported from Vietnam to China.

Furthermore, an additional four agricultural products are expected to be exported to China via official channels moving forward, including medicinal herbs, coconuts, frozen fruits, and watermelons.

If these protocols for the farm produce are successfully deployed, they will make an important contribution to the country’s agricultural exports, especially in the first months of this year, Deputy Minister Tien added.

Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, said the overall quality of Vietnamese fruit and vegetables has been significantly improved, thereby meeting the stringent criteria set by many demanding markets moving forward.

VOV