Chile is in the process of guaranteeing the entry of fresh kiwis into the Vietnamese market. A Vietnamese delegation is expected to certify protocols in orchards and packing houses in April, according to Frutas de Chile. Miguel Canala-Echeverría, general manager of Frutas de Chile, says: "Vietnam is our seventh destination market in Asia. During the 2023-24 season, we shipped 1,982 tonnes of fresh fruit".
Chile is in the process of guaranteeing the entry of fresh kiwis into the Vietnamese market. Chile expects a Vietnamese delegation to certify protocols in orchards and packing houses in April, according to Frutas de Chile. "Vietnam is our seventh destination market within Asia. During the 2023-24 season, we shipped 1,982 tons of fresh fruits to this market," stated Miguel Canala-Echevarría, general manager of Frutas de Chile.
"We feel there are spaces, opportunities for our fruits in that market. Thus, we are focusing our efforts in Vietnam on opening the market for our fresh kiwis and improving the conditions of entry for cherries," he added. The manager stresses the importance of working hand in hand with the public sector, which is why they have met with professionals from Odepa, the Agriculture and Livestock Service, and Chile's agricultural attaché in Vietnam.
Regarding kiwis, inspectors from Vietnam's Department of Plant Protection (PPD) are expected to visit Chile in April to certify compliance with the protocol in orchards and packings. This is a crucial step to start kiwi shipments. In addition, both countries are coordinating a visit of PPD inspectors in November or December to assess Chile's blueberry production.
Chile is also interested in improving the conditions of entry of fresh cherries, which are currently authorized only by sea because they are required to undergo cold treatment. Air exports have been proposed and are under discussion with the Vietnamese authorities.
In November 2024, Frutas de Chile participated in a mission to Vietnam led by the Agricultural and Livestock Service, meeting with PDP authorities to discuss the opening of kiwis and air shipments of cherries. Chile's agricultural attaché in Vietnam indicated that "positive progress is being made for Chilean fresh fruit exports."
Canala-Echeverria stressed the importance of Chile's agricultural office in Vietnam, highlighting that Southeast Asia is a strategic destination for Chilean fruit. Vietnam, with a population of close to 100 million, has been part of ASEAN since 2015. In 2023, Vietnam's GDP was $429.72 billion, 5.05% more than in 2022.
According to ProChile Vietnam, 61.4% of the Vietnamese population is under 35 years old, with 20% belonging to the upper middle class, which increases the attractiveness of importing products.
Source: portalportuario.cl