 |
| A farmer harvests peppercorns. (Photo: VNA) |
At the event held by the Vietnam Pepper Association (VPA), experts discussed the promotion of the export of pepper and spices under the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).
VPA Chairwoman Hoang Thi Lien said in 2022, the product was at a disadvantage due to inflation and economic recession in many markets, and China's "Zero COVID" policy, hence a reduction in export volume.
According to preliminary statistics from the VPA, Vietnam has shipped about 230,000 tonnes of peppercorns overseas this year for more than 970 million USD, down 13% in quantity but up 2% in value annually. The export turnover of all spices is forecast to hit 1.5 billion USD.
In addition to exports, Vietnamese enterprises also import pepper from other countries such as Brazil and Indonesia for processing, then re-export for higher value. From the beginning of the year to the end of November, the nation purchased 34,273 tonnes of the product, an increase of 48.9% against the same period in 2021.
 |
| Illustrative photo (Source: vneconomy.vn) |
Lauding such outcomes despite multiple difficulties, Lien noted that Vietnam has an advantage over other pepper production countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Sri Lanka and Cambodia thanks to the EVFTA. Under the trade pact, the EU's import tax on Vietnamese ground pepper has been reduced from 4% to 0%.
The Vietnamese industry is also highly appreciated for its processing capacity, as the proportion of processed goods currently accounts for about 30% of its total export turnover, she added.
The expert suggested the sector work to capitalise on untapped potential in many markets, particularly Eastern Europe.
Other participants recommended enterprises change and adapt to meet requirements and standards in import markets, especially the high-end segment.
It is also necessary to identify the strengths and price strategies of their products, conduct market research, and attend trade fairs, they said.
Tet gifts delivered to Truong Sa soldiers, people
Navy Region 4 ships carrying officers, soldiers, journalists as well as New Year gifts departed from Cam Ranh military port in the central province of Khanh Hoa on December 21 for Truong Sa (Spratly), reported Vietnam News Agency.
 |
| Transporting goods to islands (Photo: VNA) |
As scheduled, the vessels will dock at islands and islets in the district, delivering supplies and gifts to people and soldiers stationed there on the occasion of the upcoming Lunar New Year (Tet).
The gifts include essential goods and traditional food for Tet donated by organisations and businesses.
Earlier, on December 20, 100 gifts were presented to personnel and policy beneficiaries at the Navy Region 4 High Command, as part of an annual programme run by the online newspaper of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Vietnam People's Navy High Command.
Red Cross Society helps 18.8 million disadvantaged people in 2022
About 18.8 million disadvantaged people have received support from the Vietnam Red Cross Society (VRC) in 2022 with a total funding of 4.7 trillion VND (over 198 million USD), reported Vietnam News Agency heard a conference in Hanoi on December 21.
 |
| Illustrative image (Photo: VNA) |
Addressing the second meeting of the VRC Central Committee in the 2022-2027 tenure, Vice Chairman of the Party Central Committee's Commission for Mass Mobilisation Nguyen Lam requested the society to pay attention to innovating its operation method, increasing the quality and effectiveness of its movements, improving its capacity in giving policy advices and mobilising resources, and promoting coordination between Red Cross and humanitarian activities.
VRC President Bui Thi Hoa said after difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic over the last two years, the society mobilised over 120 billion VND this year.
It successfully and effectively organised many movements to support poor people and Agent Orange/dioxin victims, voluntary blood donation campaigns, and relief activities in localities affected by natural disasters.
The society will focus on activities to support needy people and vulnerable groups during the upcoming Lunar New Year (Tet) Festival with a total funding of about 600 billion VND, Hoa noted.
AFF Cup: Vietnam has good start with 6-0 victory against Laos
Vietnam had a good start at the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2022 with a 6-0 triumph against Laos on December 21, which helped the team rise to the top of Group B, reported Vietnam News Agency.
 |
| Vietnam had a good start at the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2022 with a 6-0 triumph against Laos (Photo: VNA) |
Addressing a press briefing after the game, head coach Park Hang-seo said he is pleased at the performance of the whole team, and thanked them for their efforts. He said he will watch the game again and draw lessons in order to make good preparations for next game against Malaysia.
Park complimented the Lao team which comprises of young players to prepare for the next SEA Games, and spoke highly of the tactics deployed by the head coach of Laos.
Mentioning the injury of Quang Hai, he said he has yet to receive the medical report on the striker’s situation.
Initial information showed that Hai’s injury is not serious and he may have some individual training before the game with Malaysia in My Dinh on December 27./.