The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) has just announced that Vietnam’s frozen durian, fresh coconut, and crocodiles have officially been granted permission for export to China.

During the state visit of General Secretary and President To Lam to China, MARD and the General Administration of Customs of China signed three important protocols on August 19th, paving the way for the export of these products to the Chinese market.

The signing of these protocols marks a significant milestone in agricultural trade relations between the two countries, particularly for Vietnam's agricultural sector.

The signed protocols include the Protocol on Inspection, Plant Quarantine, and Food Safety for Frozen Durian Exports from Vietnam to China; the Protocol on Plant Quarantine Requirements for Fresh Coconut Exports from Vietnam to China; and the Protocol on Quarantine and Health Requirements for Farmed Crocodile Exports from Vietnam to China.

According to MARD, frozen durian is considered a priority product with the potential to significantly contribute to Vietnam’s agricultural export revenue. The official opening of the Chinese market for this product is expected to create substantial opportunities for Vietnam’s durian industry.

In 2023, Vietnam exported approximately 500,000 tons of durian, generating $2.3 billion in revenue, with China accounting for 90% of these exports.

Frozen durian is a new product that offers higher added value compared to fresh durian. Opening the market for this product will help diversify processing methods, reduce the pressure of harvest seasons, and create greater added value for the durian industry.

It is projected that frozen durian exports could reach $400-500 million in revenue in 2024—the first year after the protocol signing - and could become a billion-dollar export product by 2025.

Similarly, fresh coconut is another product with significant export potential. The signing of this protocol marks the conclusion of technical negotiations between the two sides, opening the door for Vietnamese fresh coconut to officially enter the market of 1.4 billion people.

Vietnam is one of the world’s largest coconut producers and exporters, with approximately 175,000 hectares of coconut plantations, primarily in the Mekong Delta. With the opening of the Chinese market, fresh coconut export revenue is expected to increase by $200-300 million in 2024 and continue to grow strongly in the following years.

This not only brings economic benefits but also serves as a driving force for the sustainable development of Vietnam’s coconut industry, improving product quality to meet international standards.

Crocodiles are the third product on the list of signed protocols, reflecting the diversification of Vietnam’s agricultural exports. Vietnam's crocodile farming industry has developed over the past 30 years, with products such as meat, leather, and other parts holding high economic value. Therefore, opening the Chinese market for crocodiles will create significant opportunities for this industry.

This is not only an economic opportunity but also a motivation for Vietnam's crocodile farming industry to develop sustainably, ensuring environmental standards and animal welfare.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan stated that the signing of these three protocols is the result of active exchanges and negotiations between specialized units of MARD and the General Administration of Customs of China.

"We expect this to significantly boost agricultural exports, particularly the newly approved products, to the Chinese market, contributing substantially to the growth of the sector. MARD will continue working with the General Administration of Customs of China to implement the next steps, ensuring that Vietnamese businesses can soon export these products to the Chinese market," the Minister said.

Tam An