VietNamNet Bridge – The major buyers of Vietnamese watermelons are Chinese traders. This is a reason cited by the Ministry of Industry and Trade why many watermelon trucks have been stuck at the Vietnam-China border gates in recent days.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, over 10 Chinese merchants dominate the selection and reception of quality watermelons at the border gates.

After harvest, Vietnamese traders transport watermelons to the Vietnam-China border, but the right of selection and receipt of the qualified fruit entirely belongs to Chinese traders.

"The customs clearance takes two to four hours instead of over a minute as usual. The long time of clearance affects the quality of watermelon," said Deputy Minister Tran Tuan Anh.

The official said China’s demand for watermelons increases by 10% each year. Particularly in 2015, it is estimated that 130,000 tons of watermelons will be exported to this market. This crop is easy to cultivate so it is a priority crop in many provinces in the central region.

Tuan Anh admitted the Ministry’s weakness in tracking market information to guide farmers.

The Ministry plans to expand the domestic market for Vietnamese fruits to reduce dependence on the Chinese market. Initially, Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City have been identified as major markets.

Lao Dong