Vietnam is widely regarded as an ideal supplier of a diverse range of high-quality agricultural products that are suitable for various market segments worldwide amid the negative impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic.

The event is attended by representatives from Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency,
USAID and business representatives

The statement was made by Vu Ba Phu, director of the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency, during the International Trade Promotion of Vietnamese Goods and Agricultural Products 2020 on September 24 .

Phu outlined that the COVID-19 pandemic has seriously impacted global trade, therefore leading to a disruption in the supply chain for agricultural products and the food sector as a whole.

Vietnam’s successful containment of the COVID-19 epidemic has served to create favourable conditions in which agricultural and food businesses can maintain their production while securing a stable and safe supply source for both domestic and international markets, Phu added.

Tran Van Cong, Trade Counselor of Vietnam to the European Union, pointed out that the country has met a set of stringent requirements imposed by importers, with more than 6,335 hectares of fruit and vegetable growing areas nationwide applying VietGAP and GlobalGAP standards, in addition to granting codes to different cultivation areas for export. 

Moreover, local seafood firms have also applied international standards in order to meet the import requirements of major markets, including the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), while simultaneously working hard to combat IUU (illegal, unreported and unregulated) fishing.

At present, domestic seafood products have been exported to more than 170 countries globally.

Cong went on to explain that Vietnam has developed a high-tech agricultural zone aimed at improving product quality and developing brands meeting international standards. The scheme aims to meet the diverse tastes of consumers, enhance the Vietnamese product’s competitive edge in the global market.

Vietnam effectively implements administrative reforms and offers incentive policies for investors to benefit from, he stressed.

Johnny Ting, director at TIK International Pte Ltd in Singapore, affirmed that there are bright prospects ahead for Vietnamese products to penetrate the Singaporean and global markets, noting that Vietnamese enterprises have strived to meet strict requirements by obtaining HACCP and ISO certificates in order to enter Singaporean market.

Duong Kim Lien, deputy director of USAID LinkSME Project, emphasised that USAID LinkSME will continue to work alongside the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency to support local small and medium-sized enterprises in participating in the global supply chain.