Brian Jeffrey
Vietnam has recently enhanced its agricultural exports to China with the signing of four new export protocols during the visit of Xi Jinping, China’s Party General Secretary and President.
These protocols, which include products like passion fruit, bird’s nest, chili, and rice bran, will benefit businesses and farmers immediately and open doors for future negotiations on other lucrative goods.
The latest agreements complement previous arrangements for items such as coconuts, watermelons, mangosteens, and others. Meanwhile, six fruit varieties—dragon fruit, rambutan, mango, lychee, longan, and jackfruit—are still being exported under less formal arrangements.
Nguyen The Hoa, from Hai Yen Nha Trang Trading Company, highlighted the challenges facing Vietnamese bird’s nest exports to China, noting reduced demand following COVID-19 and a slowing Chinese economy. Currently, only Malaysia exports bird’s nest to China, providing Vietnam with a distinct competitive advantage.
To maximize this opportunity, Hoa emphasized the need for collaboration between farmers and businesses to maintain high-quality products.
Le Thanh Dai from the Vietnam Bird’s Nest Association mentioned that while China dominates the global bird’s nest market—accounting for about 80%—Vietnam represents merely 0.8%. This situation reflects both significant growth potential and a competitive landscape. Producers need to maintain quality standards while preserving the unique flavor of Vietnamese bird’s nest.
Chili and passion fruit are also likely to benefit from the new export protocols. Previously restricted to limited pilot programs, these products will now be able to be exported more broadly through established trade channels.
Nguyen Thi Lan Huong, Chairwoman of Viet Phuc Group, pointed out that earlier exports were only allowed through two border gates with limited importers. The new protocols will enable all eligible businesses from both nations to engage in trade, thereby significantly broadening opportunities.
She also noted that food safety and quarantine measures had already been effectively implemented during the trial phase, setting a solid foundation for the new agreements.
However, Huong warned that China is tightening its import standards to align with those of markets such as Japan and South Korea. Consequently, Vietnamese producers and exporters need to adopt more transparent and sustainable practices.
With a high demand and a quick cultivation cycle, the chili market shows considerable potential. Huong emphasized that adherence to pesticide regulations and safe farming practices is crucial for sustained market access.
As per the new protocols, Vietnamese exporters are required to comply with rules regarding planting area codes, registration of packaging facilities, and regular testing. Establishing transparent supply chains through collaboration between exporters and farmers will be essential.
Nguyen Quang Hieu, Deputy Director of the Plant Protection Department, stated that to maintain and grow its market share in China, Vietnam must focus on consistently delivering quality products and enhancing production capacity.
