Two-way trade blossoms: Vietnamese pomelos to Australia, Australian blueberries to Viet Nam

The signing ceremony of the market access protocols, held in Hanoi, marks a significant milestone in the growing agricultural cooperation between the two countries.

Australia’s Ambassador to Viet Nam, H.E. Ms. Gillian Bird PSM, described the event as “an important step forward in our shared journey to deepen agricultural and economic ties.” She began her remarks by extending condolences to the Vietnamese people affected by recent floods, before expressing appreciation to Deputy Minister Hoang Trung from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and to the Plant Production and Protection Department (PPPD) for their close collaboration in achieving today’s result.

“Australia’s security, prosperity, and economic future are intrinsically linked to Southeast Asia,” Ambassador Bird said. “Our connections go beyond geography, with enduring ties across family, business, education, and tourism. Australia is a partner Viet Nam and Southeast Asia can count on.”

She noted that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) signed 18 months ago underscores both nations’ shared commitment to building an inclusive, stable, and prosperous region. Agriculture, she emphasised, plays a vital role in that relationship. “Our cooperation reflects the ambitions of both countries to develop sustainable and profitable agriculture, fisheries, and forestry sectors.”

In 2024, two-way trade in agricultural and agri-food products between Viet Nam and Australia reached 4.4 billion AUD, showing the depth of their economic partnership. Australia provides Viet Nam with high-quality agricultural products such as cotton, wheat, red meat, dairy, and horticultural goods, while Australian consumers are increasingly seeking Vietnamese products, including seafood, coffee, rice, and tropical fruits.

Ambassador Bird expressed delight that Vietnamese pomelos would soon be available to Australian consumers, calling it “a fruit loved by many of us at the Australian Embassy.” At the same time, she celebrated the arrival of Australian blueberries in Viet Nam, describing them as “juicy, plump, antioxidant-rich, and meeting the strictest standards of safety and sustainability.” Thanks to Australia’s proximity to Asia, blueberries can reach markets like Viet Nam within just 24 hours of harvest, ensuring freshness and quality.

“This signing ceremony marks a significant milestone and opens the door for increased horticultural trade between our two countries,” Ambassador Bird said. She also praised the “strong and collegiate partnership” between Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) and Viet Nam’s PPPD, which have worked closely since 2022 under the Plant Market Access Working Group.

The Ambassador highlighted the effectiveness of the “two-by-two” market access mechanism, which allows each country to progress two priority commodities concurrently. “While today marks the completion of the market access protocols for Australian blueberries and Vietnamese pomelos, our commitment to the ‘two-by-two’ arrangement continues. I look forward to more achievements under this framework in the future,” she concluded.

Joining the ceremony and sharing with Viet Nam Agriculture and Nature News on the sidelines of the event, Ms. Monica Finlayson, Agricultural Counsellor at the Australian Embassy in Viet Nam, reaffirmed that Viet Nam has become a leading producer of high-quality tropical fruits. “Australians are very fortunate to enjoy already Vietnamese mangoes, longans, dragon fruits, and several others. I know that Vietnamese producers and the government are strongly committed to enhancing product quality, sustainability, and traceability,” she said.

According to Ms. Finlayson, the counter-seasonal production cycles of the two countries create a natural complementarity in trade. “For example, while both Viet Nam and Australia grow mangoes, their harvest seasons are different. This means Australian consumers can now enjoy mangoes all year round - including those from Viet Nam,” she explained.

During the ceremony, the two sides also signed an Operational Work Plan (OWP) detailing all technical and biosecurity requirements for exporting Vietnamese pomelos to Australia. “Biosecurity is a critical focus for us,” Ms. Finlayson emphasised. “Australia is fortunate to be free from many pests and diseases that could impact our economy and way of life. Viet Nam’s PPPD is working to develop standard operating procedures that help producers meet the agreed requirements to export pomelos to Australia.”

“We recently completed market access for plums and passion fruit last year, and for pomelos and blueberries this year. Both sides are now discussing the next priority commodities to expand trade further,” she said.

From the Australian side, Ms. Finlayson expressed optimism about the Vietnamese market for Australian fruit. “We are very excited to see Australian blueberries available here soon - hopefully within a few months. They are delicious, nutritious, and versatile, perfect as a snack, or in yoghurt and muffins”, she said, adding that Australia’s short supply chain ensures the fruits remain “fresh and high-quality when they arrive.”

Beyond trade facilitation, the Australian Embassy continues to support Viet Nam in capacity building and sustainable production. “At the Australian Embassy, we are fortunate to have the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR),” Ms. Finlayson said. “ACIAR carries out vital research and extension activities that help Vietnamese farmers to enhance productivity and sustainability, as well as meet export conditions.”

She cited a new ACIAR project to support farmers in Northwest Viet Nam, where ACIAR collaborates with local partners to comply with VietGAP and traceability, biosecurity, and food safety practices requirements domestically and internationally. “This is an excellent example of how we can work together to help Vietnamese producers enhance productivity and move towards more sustainable farming,” she added.

“This is truly an exciting area of collaboration,” Ms. Finlayson concluded. “We are proud to support Vietnamese producers in building capacity, increasing production, and achieving greater sustainability, while bringing high-quality fruit to consumers in both our nations.”