(VOVWORLD) - Vietnam earned 3.5 billion USD from fruit and vegetable exports in the first six months of this year, up 28% from to the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Key export items included durian, dragon fruit, and bananas. China, South Korea, the United States, Japan, and Thailand were among the top importers of Vietnamese fruits and vegetables in the reviewed period.
"Our fruit and vegetable output increases 6% annually. As global demand continues to rise, the Vietnamese fruit and vegetable sector will continue to grow until at least the end of this year," Nguyen Thanh Binh, Chairman of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, said.
China remains the main market for Vietnamese fruits and vegetables, with over ten types of fruits being exported though official channels. Recently, Vietnam and China concluded negotiations on a new protocol on the export of Vietnamese frozen durian, passion fruit, chili, and fresh coconut. The protocol is expected to be signed in the second half of the year.
"The conclusion of negotiations on the protocol provides a great opportunity for Vietnam to export agricultural products to China with greater volumes and values," said Phung Duc Tien, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.
With the current momentum, the fruit and vegetable sector is forecast to achieve a record export turnover of between 7-7.5 billion USD this year.