Vietnam's Fruit, Vegetable Exports Target $10 Billion Milestone Amid Diversification Efforts

Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports are gaining momentum towards a milestone of $10 billion, supported by the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and ongoing efforts to upgrade the China – ASEAN Free Trade Area. Currently, fresh fruits from Vietnam are mainly available at premium supermarkets, Asian food stores, and importers serving foreign communities in Istanbul and Ankara, with widespread market access yet to be established. However, the quality of Vietnamese produce is increasingly recognized, with items like cashew nuts, coffee, and spices gaining popularity among Middle East consumers. Vietnam's farm produce exports to the UAE are projected to exceed $445 million in 2025, a nearly 24% year-on-year increase. Diplomatically, efforts are underway to strengthen the Vietnam-Canada Comprehensive Partnership, and both Vietnam and India aim to raise bilateral trade to $25 billion by 2030. The Ministry of Industry and Trade has also requested the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) to remove trade barriers, including the removal of safeguard measures on textiles and garments and further opening the Russian market to Vietnamese fishery products. Domestically, Ho Chi Minh City is developing smart and green ports, aiming for clean energy, lower emissions, and sustainable supply chains. This is part of a plan to establish an integrated ecosystem linking seaports with industrial parks, logistics centers, free trade zones, multimodal transport networks, and an international financial center. Under Vietnam's one-party system, economic growth remains a key priority, with export expansion crucial for foreign exchange earnings and domestic industrial development. While relations with China are economically intertwined, they also involve geopolitical complexities. Nevertheless, Chinese investment remains active in areas like Can Tho.