Tien Giang province: Enhancing export capacity to the EU market

The Department of Industry and Trade of Tien Giang province recently collaborated with the Trade Promotion Agency (Ministry of Industry and Trade) to organize a training session aimed at enhancing the export capacity of potential products to the European Union (EU) market through the Vietnam agricultural product trade promotion map.

Experts provided detailed information on the EU market, technical requirements, food safety standards, and consumer trends in the EU. Additionally, they introduced the agricultural trade promotion map, a tool that helps businesses identify target markets, connect with partners, and plan exports more effectively.

Businesses also learned about digital transformation and the application of information technology in trade promotion, EU market information, details about the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), and strategies to optimize the promotion of Vietnamese agricultural products and brands.

Moreover, businesses shared practical experiences, and experts addressed questions from companies, covering export procedures, support policies, and how to use the trade promotion map.

Effectively leveraging the EVFTA

Tien Giang province is renowned for its high-quality agricultural products and is dubbed the "fruit kingdom" with many well-known fruits both domestically and internationally, such as dragon fruit (Cho Gao district), Ngu Hiep durian (Cai Lay district), and Lo Ren sapodilla (Chau Thanh district). The accession to the Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and Vietnam (EVFTA) has opened significant opportunities for Tien Giang's agricultural products to reach international markets, particularly in Europe. However, alongside these opportunities are considerable challenges for Tien Giang's agricultural sector.

The EVFTA is a new-generation free trade agreement that provides many tariff benefits. Vietnamese agricultural products, including rice, fruits, seafood, garlic, eggs, cassava starch, canned tuna, and sweet corn, receive tariff advantages. Notably, among the eight types of fragrant rice benefiting from preferential tariffs under EVFTA, Tien Giang has two varieties: Nang Hoa 9 and VD 20. Out of the 39 geographical indications of Vietnam protected by the EU, Tien Giang has two: Hoa Loc mango and Vinh Kim sapodilla.

A highlight in Tien Giang's economic landscape is the growing role of women in the agricultural business sector. Women-owned enterprises are playing an essential part in the sustainable development of the province's agricultural industry. However, participating in the EVFTA also poses several challenges for these businesses.

The EVFTA provides opportunities for women-led enterprises to expand their partner networks in Europe and gain valuable experience. Women entrepreneurs need to enhance their management capabilities, business skills, and international integration knowledge. However, businesses led by women often face limitations in capital, human resources, and market information, making it difficult to compete and meet EU standards. Additionally, women bear multiple social and family responsibilities, which can affect their focus on business development.

According to Ms. Nguyen Nhu Thuy Tien, Vice President of the Tien Giang Durian Association, Tien Giang's fruits, including durian, need solutions to take advantage of this opportunity, such as investing in technology, boosting production capacity, and creating online trading platforms. Businesses require support from the government and banks, including financial assistance and market access opportunities.

Advantages for boosting international standard agricultural exports

The EU market is considered demanding. However, with a population of over 500 million and high incomes, it presents a significant opportunity for Tien Giang's agricultural enterprises. European consumers increasingly prioritize safe, high-quality products, especially organic items, which is an advantage for Tien Giang to push forward agricultural exports that meet international standards.

A challenge for Tien Giang's agricultural businesses is meeting the stringent EU standards and facing fierce competition from countries like Thailand (for fruits), Cambodia, and India (for rice). Therefore, according to Mr. Le Anh Hung (Trade Promotion Agency), Tien Giang businesses must invest in production processes, quality control, and improving supply chains to meet these standards and develop clear strategies to maintain market share.

Additionally, most Tien Giang agricultural businesses are small-scale and lack experience in accessing international markets. Joining the global supply chain requires a shift in management mindset and integration skills.

The EVFTA offers many opportunities for Tien Giang's agricultural products to expand, increase value, and improve the livelihoods of the local people. However, to effectively leverage this potential, Tien Giang’s businesses and farmers need to proactively adapt, enhance their competitiveness, and ensure compliance with international standards. In particular, support from the government, organizations, and businesses led by women will be crucial for overcoming challenges and asserting their significant role in global economic integration.