The journey to export green-skinned pomelos abroad.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Australia Pham Hung Tam shared with TGVN about efforts to promote the export of green pomelo to the "land of kangaroos".

Vietnamese Ambassador to Australia Pham Hung Tam. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Australia)

On April 23rd, the first shipment of 940 kg of Vietnamese green pomelo was exported to Australia by air through 4 Ways Fresh Group. Ambassador, could you please share more about the efforts the Embassy has made to ensure this product is present in one of the world's most demanding markets?

The official export of the first shipment of 940 kg of Vietnamese green pomelo to Australia is the result of a meticulous and persistent preparation process and close coordination between relevant agencies, localities, and businesses of both countries, as well as the active support of Vietnamese representative offices in Australia.

Since 2023, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (formerly the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development) has actively collaborated with the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to finalize the requirements for plant quarantine, biosecurity and quality standards – which are considered very stringent.

In this context, the Vietnamese Embassy and Trade Office in Australia have actively connected businesses from both sides, provided support in supplying information on the market and import regulations, and promoted the image of Vietnamese agricultural products in Australia.

In particular, to meet the strict quarantine and freshness standards of the Australian market, the authorities of both countries have closely coordinated with businesses, along with technical support from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), to develop standardized procedures for handling fungal diseases, insects, and microorganisms.

Accordingly, by October 2025, Vietnamese green pomelo products have officially been licensed for export to the Australian market. This success demonstrates the effectiveness of bilateral cooperation mechanisms within the Vietnam-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, in which trade and agricultural cooperation are among the important pillars.

Ambassador, what significance does this shipment have for Vietnam's agricultural sector's aspirations to expand its reach on the international map?

I believe that the first shipment of green-skinned pomelos exported to Australia is very significant, not only commercially, but also symbolically, representing Vietnam's efforts to integrate and enhance its position in the international market.

Australia is one of the world's most demanding markets. The fact that green-skinned pomelo, a signature product of Vietnam, can meet these stringent requirements is clear evidence of improvements in quality, production processes, and supply chain management capabilities within Vietnam's agricultural sector. Furthermore, this shipment marks a significant transformation for Vietnamese agriculture, which is gradually shifting from exporting agricultural products to exporting value-added products, where each product carries its own unique story and value.

More importantly, this also serves as a foundation for expanding exports of other fruits, contributing to market diversification, increasing added value, and building sustainable and modern brands for Vietnamese agricultural products.

Vietnamese green-skinned pomelos are distributed and packaged by Blue Ocean Group. (Source: Blue Ocean)

From a regional perspective, Ambassador, what should Vietnamese businesses, localities, and ministries and agencies continue to do to solidify their position in the Australian market in the future?

From a regional perspective, we believe that in order to maintain and expand market share in Australia, Vietnamese businesses, localities, and ministries need to focus on major strategic directions.

First and foremost , we must continue to improve product quality to meet international standards, especially regarding quarantine, traceability, food safety, and sustainable development. This is a prerequisite for accessing and maintaining market share.

Secondly , we aim to build a closed-loop value chain, from production and processing to logistics and distribution, thereby reducing costs, enhancing competitiveness, and better meeting the needs of Australian consumers.

Thirdly , it is necessary to strengthen trade promotion activities, brand building, and product recognition. Close cooperation with major importers and distribution systems in Australia is a key factor.

Finally , it is necessary to effectively utilize the free trade agreements that both countries are parties to, such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and RCEP, in order to facilitate the entry of Vietnamese goods into the market.

What plans does the Vietnamese Embassy in Australia have to continue playing a bridging role in promoting sustainable agricultural exports not only to the Australian market but also to the Oceania region?

In the coming period, the Vietnamese Embassy in Australia will continue to play a bridging role, working alongside ministries, localities, and businesses to promote sustainable agricultural exports.

Specifically, we will strengthen economic diplomacy, enhance cooperation with local authorities to remove technical barriers, and promote market access for more potential Vietnamese agricultural products.

The Vietnamese Embassy and Trade Office in Australia will continue to support businesses in connecting with partners, providing market information, and organizing promotional activities to introduce products in Australia and the Oceania region.

At the same time, we also focus on promoting cooperation in high-tech agriculture, logistics, and deep processing, thereby contributing to enhancing the competitiveness and added value of Vietnamese agricultural products. With the foundation of increasingly good bilateral relations, along with the determination of all parties, we believe that Vietnamese agricultural products, including green pomelo, will increasingly assert their position in the Australian market and expand further in the region.

Vietnamese green pomelos are displayed for sale at a fruit and vegetable store in Cabramatta, New South Wales. (Source: VOV)

According to information from the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the clearance of the first shipment of fresh pomelos in the Australian market not only opens up new opportunities for the pomelo industry but also creates an important foundation for expanding the export of other fresh fruits from Vietnam to demanding markets in the future.

This event also marks the culmination of the market opening process, while affirming the ability to meet the technical requirements, biosafety control, and stringent quality standards of one of the world's leading high-standard markets.

The Australian grapefruit season lasts from February to June each year. Outside of this period, Australia mainly imports from the US, but the quality has not yet met the expectations of some supermarket chains there. Meanwhile, with the advantage of faster shipping times and superior quality, Vietnamese grapefruit is expected to have great potential and could increase competitiveness not only in Australia but also expand to other markets.

"This is very good news for Vietnamese products. Australia is one of the strictest markets in the world regarding biosafety. Fresh produce and fruits that want to enter this market must go through several stages."

We are delighted that your company has imported the first batch of fresh pomelos from Vietnam. This demonstrates the quality of Vietnamese agricultural products, successfully meeting your very strict biosafety regulations and affirming the value of our brand.”

Ms. Tran Thi Thanh My – Head of the Vietnam Trade Office in Australia

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/hanh-trinh-dua-buoi-da-xanh-xuat-ngoai-390209.html