Vietnam’s exports of fruits and vegetables are forecast to reach $6.5 billion in 2024, after setting a record of nearly $5.6 billion in 2023.

The country’s Ministry of Industry and Trade made this known on Friday.

Bright export prospects are fuelled by a huge demand from the Chinese market, with Vietnam negotiating for the official export of more types of fruits.

The general secretary of the Vietnam Vegetable and Fruit Association, Dang Phuc Nguyen, predicted that fruit and vegetable exports would expand by 15 per cent to 20 per cent in 2024.

Mr Phuc predicted that the exports would set a new record high, with the value exceeding $6 billion or even $7 billion.

In January 2024, the country’s fruit and vegetable exports hit $510 million, an increase of 24.9 per cent over December 2023 and 112.1 per cent year-on-year.

In 2023, many Vietnamese fruits recorded impressive growth in exports.

They include durian, by 430.1 per cent to $2.2 billion; dragon fruit, $523 million; and jackfruit, $168 million.  

(Xinhua/NAN)