The train carried nearly 70 tons of fresh coconuts from the West to China.

On October 25th, at Song Than station ( Binh Duong province), Vietnam Railways Corporation, in coordination with local authorities, held a ceremony to launch the first train carrying fresh coconuts for export to China.

The international train carrying fresh coconuts to China departs from Song Than station - Photo: DUC PHU

According to Mr. Luu Van Phi, Director of the Department of Industry and Trade of Tien Giang province, statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development show that among the 63 provinces and cities nationwide, three localities have the largest coconut growing areas: Ben Tre, Tra Vinh , and Tien Giang.

In the past, Tien Giang province had developed a plan for coconut cultivation, but it had not been widely implemented due to a lack of established markets for coconuts. The signing of the protocol with China on the export of fresh coconuts by the government has opened up an opportunity for the plan to be implemented. This also presents a chance for coconut farmers to increase their income and improve their lives.

"Transporting fresh coconuts by intermodal vessels will reduce costs and streamline customs procedures. This will help businesses generate more profit to share with farmers."

With the advantages mentioned above, I also expect that our coconut will become a multi-billion dollar commodity like durian," Mr. Phi said.

At the ceremony, Mr. Phan Quoc Anh, Deputy General Director of Vietnam Railways Corporation, stated that the 10 free trade agreements in effect have expanded opportunities for goods to be exported internationally. Currently, China has granted import licenses for many types of Vietnamese fruits, including fresh coconuts.

The train carrying 67.5 tons of fresh coconuts on a 7-day journey is a collaborative effort between the Railway Transport and Trade Joint Stock Company (the train operator) and Fado iExport Joint Stock Company.

"In recent times, international intermodal transport has received attention and priority from the State for development. Our country is also making efforts to urgently build railway lines connecting with China and Laos... Railway transport is facing a huge opportunity for development," Mr. Anh said.

Fresh coconuts are packaged for export - Photo: DUC PHU

Businesses propose upgrading Song Than station.

Mr. Pham Tan Dat, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Fado iExport Joint Stock Company, said that the company has extensive experience exporting agricultural products to many international markets. Based on practical experience, the company has analyzed and researched methods of transporting fresh coconuts via road, air, sea, and rail.

Through this, businesses realized that rail transport has many advantages, not only enabling deep distribution within China but also expanding to other markets such as Kazakhstan and Russia.

According to Mr. Dat, compared to other methods, rail transport will save more costs and ensure on-time delivery. The company also suggested that relevant authorities plan to upgrade and expand intermodal stations such as Song Than station to develop them into regional logistics centers.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/doan-tau-lien-van-cho-gan-70-tan-dua-tuoi-mien-tay-di-trung-quoc-20241025111325556.htm