Ben Tre to export first batch of fresh coconuts to China in October

Ben Tre province is expected to ship its first batch of fresh coconuts to China this October

Ben Tre currently has about 16,000 hectares of land under coconut cultivation, accounting for 20% of the province’s farming land. To date, the locality has 133 designated growing area codes that essentially meet the production conditions, covering nearly 8,400 hectares.

The province has 13 coconut growing areas eligible for export to the Chinese market, and it is expected that Ben Tre will hold a ceremony for the first official export of fresh coconuts to China in October, said Doan Van Danh, director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Ben Tre.

According to the official, the Chinese side sent a delegation to Ben Tra in September to conduct a preliminary inspection of the 13 approved growing areas, which are now capable of exporting fresh coconuts to China.

The Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the General Administration of Customs of China recently signed a protocol on phytosanitary requirements for Vietnamese fresh coconuts exported to China, opening up opportunities for Vietnamese coconut farmers and processors to enter the lucrative market.

Currently, Vietnam has 15 provinces with significant coconut cultivation, covering approximately 200,000 hectares and producing 2 million tonnes. There are 207 growing area codes and 55 packaging facilities licensed in the country.

Last year, Vietnam exported approximately 30,000 tonnes of fresh coconuts and 320,000 tonnes of processed coconut products, especially dried coconut products, to markets worldwide.