At the 10th National Farmers’ Forum 2025, expanding export markets for agricultural products - particularly pomelos and avocados - was among the key concerns raised by Vietnamese farmers.
The forum, co-organized by the Vietnam Farmers’ Union and the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) on October 1, was themed “Market Connectivity – Brand Building – Promoting Agricultural Consumption for Double-Digit National Economic Growth”.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien urges relevant departments to expedite procedures and shorten the time needed to sign the protocol for Vietnam’s pomelo and avocado exports.Farmers’ voices from the field
During a dialogue session with the Minister of Industry and Trade, Mr. Vo Quan Huy (Ut Huy), Director of Huy Long An Co., Ltd., shared that bananas - the company’s main product - have maintained an annual growth rate of 10-15%, with export value expected to reach USD 25 million in 2025. However, traditional markets such as China, the US, Japan, and the EU are tightening standards, while global consumers increasingly prefer clean and green products.
Huy noted that pomelos, with their large cultivation area and high export potential, could generate billion-dollar revenues and complement durians, which have seen rapid growth. Yet, after years of negotiation, market access to China remains pending, leaving farmers at a disadvantage.
He also highlighted the Halal market, home to 2.2 billion consumers and valued at USD 200 billion, as a promising direction for Vietnamese agriculture - calling for supportive policies to accelerate entry. Huy proposed developing agro-processing industries near raw material areas to reduce seasonal pressures and expand exports, including to Halal markets.
Farmers hope Vietnam’s avocados and pomelos will soon gain official access to the Chinese market. Photo: VnExpress.Support from trade and clean energy policies
Responding to the forum, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Tran Thanh Nam said a Chinese customs inspection team had completed field assessments, and a protocol on pomelos and avocados was being finalized. It is expected to be completed within months, paving the way for official exports in early 2026.
“China’s approval process is strict - only one or two fruits are approved annually. Therefore, pomelos will be prioritized first, followed by avocados”, Deputy Minister Nam explained.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien instructed relevant departments to expedite documentation and send an official letter to China’s Minister of Commerce by the end of October, aiming to shorten the approval process for Vietnam’s pomelos and avocados.
Regarding the Halal market, Mr. Vu Ba Phu, Director of the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency, said the ministry is preparing an international online conference with Turkish partners and developing a Halal export development plan through 2030, with a vision toward 2045. Vietnamese Halal products are also being showcased in dedicated pavilions at major international trade fairs.
On the renewable energy front, Mr. Pham Nguyen Hung, Director General of the Department of Electricity and Renewable Energy, said MoIT has completed a draft decision to support rooftop solar installation for households to self-produce, consume, and store electricity. Under the scheme, farmers can access low-interest loans from the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies for up to three years and receive direct financial assistance of VND 2-3 million for installation costs.