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| Picking up durians for export to China via official channels |
These promising results can largely be attributed to the recent convenient customs clearances for fruit and vegetable exports via border gates, after China has granted a license for the import of several Vietnamese fruit and vegetable products via official channels.
The Chinese side has agreed to pilot the import of Vietnamese passion fruit through border gates in Guangxi province as of July 1, while the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) has recently signed a protocol relating to phytosanitary requirements for durian exports from Vietnam as of July 11.
However, experts point out that the sector’s growth momentum is not anticipated to make any breakthroughs this year due to China’s ‘Zero-COVID’ policy, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and high inflation impacting countries globally.
In addition, relevant food safety and hygiene issues remain a barrier to Vietnamese fruit and vegetable exports to foreign markets.
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| Photo for illustration (Source: kinhtechungkhoan.vn) |
Statistics compiled by the General Department of Vietnam Customs reveal that fruit and vegetable exports to the Americas surged by 21.9% to US$162.1 million, while exports to Europe declined slightly 6.9% to US$144.4 million compared to the same period from last year.
Overall, the country’s total export value of fruit and vegetables throughout the seven-month period dropped by 17.1% to US$1.7 billion compared to last year’s corresponding period.
Vietnamese businesses have been advised to improve the quality of agricultural products, meet stringent standards set by fastidious import markets, and diversify export markets in order to avoid a reliance on traditional markets such as China moving forward.
Dak Lak prepares for export of passion fruit to China
According to VNA, the Dak Lak province Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is preparing necessary conditions for the shipping of local passion fruit to China, as the fruit has been officially allowed to enter the market.
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| Vietnamese passion fruit (Photo: VNA) |
The preparation includes supporting businesses and farmers in making the fruit meet related requirements.
The Central Highlands province is home to 1,055ha of passion fruit, of which 884ha are yielding 14,703 tonnes annually.
The planting area and production of passion fruit nationwide are continuously increasing, especially in Central Highlands localities. Currently, Vietnam grows the fruit on about 6,000ha across 46 cities and provinces with an annual output of 300,000-400,000 tonnes.
With relevant negotiations beginning in 2006, the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) agreed this year to pilot the import of Vietnamese passion fruit starting in July, making it the 10th Vietnamese fruit permitted to enter the market.
According to the two sides’ agreement on phytosanitary requirements, in the immediate future, GACC permits the import of fresh passion fruit from Vietnam through seven border gates in China's Guangxi province.
Seven-month index of industrial production up 11.2%
The index of industrial production (IIP) in July was estimated to increase by 1.6% over the previous month and by 11.2% over the same period last year, VNA cited data from the General Statistics Office.
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| Seven-month index of industrial production up 11.2% - Illustrative image (Photo: VNA) |
The rise was thanks to a further reopening of the economy in the wake of COVID-19 disruptions.
Output growth accelerated for most components, including manufacturing (12.8% against 9.9% in June); electricity and gas supply (8.7% against 5.5% in June); and waste treatment (9.2% against 6.3% in June).
In contrast, mining output fell 1.5%, reversing from a 5.1% growth in June.
Vietnam among Asia's best places for holiday: Australian travel magazine
Australian magazine Traveller has listed Vietnam among the eight "best places to go in Asia for a holiday."
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| FLC Luxury Hotel Quy Nhon. (Photo: flc.vn) |
It recommended December-March, when the weather is "pleasant," as the ideal time to visit the long, sandy beaches of Vietnam, reported VNA.
It particularly recommended Quy Nhon, the beach resort town on the south-central coast. "Long a staid domestic destination, beautiful beach-flanked Quy Nhon has acquired hipster mojo and is tipped as the next Da Nang."
The magazine also advised tourists to explore Ninh Binh, famous for paddleboat tours through limestone karsts and paddy rice fields.
In the Central Highlands, Da Lat, a summer retreat of the French during the colonial period, is well known for adventure sports such as trekking, mountain biking and rafting, it said.
A lesser-known destination in the northwest not to be missed is Dien Bien Phu, which used to be a major battlefield during the war, it said. "The province is developing eco-tourism and offering indigenous village homestays amid stunning forested landscapes and Hmong culture."
Other destinations on the list are Thailand, India, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.
Vietnam has allowed quarantine-free entry since March 15 and lifted most COVID-19 restrictions except for COVID-19 insurance cover./.