Frozen durian and fresh coconut will be officially exported to China.

A protocol allowing the export of frozen durian, fresh coconut, and crocodiles from Vietnam to China was signed in Beijing this afternoon.

This protocol was signed by the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) on the afternoon of August 19th, in the presence of General Secretary and President To Lam and General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping. The Ministry considers this a significant step forward, opening up great opportunities for Vietnamese agricultural products, especially durian and fresh coconut.

This Protocol forms an integral part of the Agreement on Trade in Goods and shall enter into force on the date of signature.

The protocol includes requirements for animal and plant quarantine and food safety and hygiene. Specific regulations vary depending on the industry and product. After signing the protocol, businesses can export goods to the importing country if they have completed all procedures and met the quarantine requirements of the importing country.

Minister Le Minh Hoan stated that the signing of these three protocols is the result of active negotiations with the General Administration of Customs of China, opening up opportunities for Vietnamese durian and fresh coconut to access the market of 1.4 billion people. The Ministry will continue to cooperate to help Vietnamese businesses export their products to China soon.

Durian at a farm in Long Khánh ( Đồng Nai ). Photo: Phước Tuấn

According to Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen, Secretary General of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, previously, frozen durian was mainly exported to Thailand, the US, and Europe, with an export value of several hundred million USD each year. Now, with the wide-open door to China, durian export value is expected to increase dramatically. If the Chinese market shifts to consuming frozen durian, Vietnam will have a significant competitive advantage.

Last year, Vietnam exported approximately 500,000 tons of fresh durian, generating $2.3 billion in revenue, with 90% going to China. The durian cultivation area covers 154,000 hectares, producing nearly 1.2 million tons, with an annual growth rate of 15%. Regarding coconuts, Vietnam is one of the major producers and exporters, with a cultivated area of 175,000 hectares, primarily in the Mekong Delta.

The opening of the Chinese market is expected to help frozen durian exports reach $400-500 million this year, and fresh coconut exports increase by an additional $200-300 million. This not only brings economic benefits but also promotes sustainable development and improves the quality of Vietnam's agricultural products.

General Secretary and President To Lam and his wife are on a state visit to China from August 18-20, at the invitation of General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping and his wife. This is General Secretary and President To Lam's first visit to China since assuming his new position.

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