Strengthen biosecurity measures for pomelo exports to Australia

Western Australia’s Minister affirmed commitment to strengthening coordination with Viet Nam and address outstanding issues related to fresh pomelo exports.

On September 24, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Dang Ngoc Diep held a meeting with Ms. Jackie Jarvis MLC, Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Forestry, Small Business and the Mid West of Western Australia.

Highly appreciating Western Australia’s strengths in agricultural production, fisheries, the marine economy and resource management, Deputy Minister Dang Ngoc Diep affirmed that bilateral cooperation has opportunities to expand trade in goods towards deeper and more integrated value chains.

Providing an update on the export of fresh pomelos, the Deputy Minister said Vietnam consistently regards biosecurity as a key requirement throughout the production, processing and export of agricultural products. Compliance with control, monitoring and traceability procedures is being strengthened through an online traceability system.

Maintaining regular exchanges between Vietnam and Australia on control and biosecurity requirements will help both sides effectively address outstanding issues, thereby removing bottlenecks in agricultural trade.

Minister Jackie Jarvis affirmed that she would make a constructive contribution and work to help resolve outstanding issues based on the effective and trusted cooperation between Vietnam and Australia. Accordingly, maintaining open and frank exchanges would help the two sides identify appropriate solutions and effectively implement their cooperation commitments.

Introducing Western Australia, Minister Jackie Jarvis said the state has an export-oriented economy and a large-scale agricultural production sector. Its major agricultural products include barley, grains and feed ingredients. She also expressed her impression of the scale and production capacity of Vietnam’s agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors.

Minister Jackie Jarvis expressed her desire to expand cooperation with Vietnam in animal feed production and create more opportunities for businesses from both sides to participate more deeply in value chains. “Biosecurity is also a top priority in building these chains. Controlling raw material sources, product traceability and animal health management are factors directly related to the ability to maintain stable production chains,” she said.

Regarding the development of the marine economy, Vietnam expressed interest in Australia sharing experience in the exploitation and aquaculture of marine resources, resource management, and the application of advanced technologies. The two sides could explore cooperation in aquaculture programs that meet sustainability certification standards, including models for farming high-value species.

The two sides also discussed the potential application of technology, sensors, data and artificial intelligence in livestock management and the efficient use of water and fertilizers. Monitoring animal health and enhancing traceability could strengthen oversight and reduce risks.

Beyond trade, Deputy Minister Dang Ngoc Diep encouraged Western Australian businesses to explore the Vietnamese market, connect with domestic enterprises and identify product groups with potential, moving from general exchanges towards specific cooperation projects.

The two sides assessed that greater exchanges among management agencies and scientists, supported by networks of universities and high-quality research institutions, could create further room for cooperation and help address shared challenges such as climate change and saltwater intrusion.

Kieu Chi