### Vietnam and Australia Strengthen Agricultural Ties
Recently, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Hoang Trung announced an exciting development in agricultural trade between Vietnam and Australia. Vietnamese pomelos have officially received approval for export to Australia, marking a significant milestone in bilateral agricultural cooperation. This relationship has blossomed over time, with Australia now regarded as one of Vietnam’s most trusted and crucial partners in the global agricultural supply chain.
### A Growing Partnership
Both countries have established a strong foundation of collaboration that includes regular exchanges of technical expertise and policy dialogues. These efforts aim to enhance market access for a variety of fruits from both nations. Pomelo is now proudly recognized as the sixth Vietnamese fruit allowed to be exported to Australia, joining the ranks of other beloved fruits such as dragon fruit, lychee, longan, mango, and passion fruit.
### Introduction of Australian Blueberries
In a reciprocal gesture, Australian blueberries have also been granted access to the Vietnamese market. This inclusion makes them the seventh Australian fruit approved for import to Vietnam, following grapes, oranges, mandarins, cherries, peaches, and nectarines. Australian blueberries are known for their exceptional quality, cultivated under stringent biosecurity standards in pristine, natural environments.
### Compliance and Standards
Emphasizing the importance of quality control, Deputy Minister Trung urged local businesses, authorities, and industry associations in Vietnam to adhere to Australia’s stringent requirements for fresh pomelos. This includes ensuring proper production procedures, traceability, and effective pest control measures. Meanwhile, he has directed Vietnam’s quarantine agencies to expedite the technical procedures necessary for importing Australian blueberries, further fostering this emerging trade.
### Significance of the Agreement
Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, Gillian Bird, expressed her delight with this newly inked agreement, recognizing it as a significant step forward in agricultural collaboration between the two countries. She noted that Vietnamese consumers will soon relish fresh Australian blueberries, which are not only superior in taste but also high in nutritional value and cultivated according to rigorous safety and sustainability standards.
### Quick Turnaround Time
One of the advantages highlighted by Bird is the geographical proximity of the two nations. Due to the short shipping distance, Australian blueberries can arrive in Vietnam within 24 hours of harvest, ensuring that the fruit retains its freshness and flavor.
### The 2+2 Cooperation Mechanism
Bird acknowledged the success of the “2+2” cooperation mechanism that both nations have implemented. This approach allows Vietnam and Australia to synchronize their market openings for agricultural products, creating a win-win situation for both sides. The ambassador expressed confidence that this mechanism will continue to yield fruitful results, enhancing agricultural trade and deepening the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Australia.
### Expanding Pomelo Cultivation
Huynh Tan Dat, the director general of the Plant Production and Protection Department at Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, shared insights on the impressive growth of the pomelo industry in Vietnam. Fresh pomelos are now being exported to 14 countries and territories, including the United States, South Korea, and New Zealand. Since 2015, the area dedicated to pomelo cultivation has expanded significantly, growing from 50,000 hectares to more than 100,000 hectares by 2025. The annual output of pomelos is nearing one million tonnes, further solidifying Vietnam’s position in the global fruit market.
### Economic Impact
The export value of fresh pomelos reached an impressive US$60 million in 2024, reflecting the rising demand for this unique fruit on the international stage. As Vietnam continues to refine its agricultural practices and expand its exporting capabilities, the future looks bright for its pomelo industry and its ongoing partnership with Australia.