Belgian potato exporters seek opportunities in Vietnam
Belgium’s Flanders Agricultural Marketing Board held a press conference in Hanoi on May 14 to announce a plan to develop the Belgian potato market share in Vietnam.
Belgium is the world’s largest frozen fries exporter, with over 90 percent being shipped abroad (Source: Flanders Agricultural Marketing Board)
Hanoi (VNA) – Belgium’s Flanders AgriculturalMarketing Board held a press conference in Hanoi on May 14 to announce a planto develop the Belgian potato market share in Vietnam.
Attending the event were five largest Belgian businessesmajor in exporting potato products and specialties to 100 different marketsglobally, including Agristo, Bart’s Potato Company, Clarebout Potatoes,Ecofrost and Mydibel, and the Belgian fries group
The event was part of activities on the occasion of the Minister-Presidentof Flanders’s visit to Vietnam from May 13-17 to seek business opportunities.
Romain Cools, General Secretary of the Belgian potato tradeand processing industry association (Belgapom), expressed his delight atintroducing Belgian potatoes in Vietnam following debuts in Indonesia,Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore.
He hailed Southeast Asia as one of the fastest-growing regionson the back of middle class growth, urbanisation and young population, addingthat Belgium’s frozen fries are ready to meet demand.
Belgium is the world’s largest frozen fries exporter, withover 90 percent being shipped abroad.
In 2016, Belgium’s fries export grew by 14.3 percent to 1.68million tonnes.-VNA
The relationship between Belgium and Vietnam is developing fruitfully, Belgium’s King Philippe told Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium Vu Anh Quang who came to present his credentials.
The Belgian Vietnamese Alliance (BVA) and the Flanders Investment and Trade (FIT) held a meeting on May 3 with a delegation of Belgian businesses ahead of the delegation’s visit to Vietnam from May 13-18 to explore cooperation opportunities.
Belgian culture will be brought closer to Hanoians through the event “A Touch of Belgium” to be held by the Belgian Embassy at the Ly Thai To Statue Garden on May 12 to mark the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The Vietnamese Government supports and creates the best possible conditions for Belgian businesses and investors, including those from the Flanders region, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has affirmed.
All service vessels and out-of-province fishing boats docking at fishing ports in Lam Dong province will undergo 100% inspection to ensure compliance with paperwork, port entry/exit procedures, and fishing log requirements. Their positions and voyages will be tracked around the clock from departure to return via the VMS.
The roadmap to restrict the use of petrol-powered vehicles and encourage green ones in such major cities as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City is creating a strong boost to the EV market.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade is drafting a scheme on diversifying imported raw material sources for domestic production, with feedback from industry associations and businesses being incorporated into concrete proposals and support policies.
Notably, the hybrid segment recorded the strongest growth, with 7,112 units sold, a 72% year-on-year increase. The figures reflect a shift in consumer preference towards more environmentally friendly vehicles.
The project rolled out 21 pilot models, from goat and pig farming to coffee cultivation and the adoption of agricultural technology, helping farmers beef up production, spruce up livestock facilities, and improve market linkages.
Vietnam is ready to serve as an important gateway for Korean enterprises to enter the Southeast Asian market. Korean firms with experience and advanced technology to engage in energy transition and national infrastructure modernisation, said Party leader To Lam.
Two-way trade between Vietnam and Cambodia topped 7 billion USD in the first seven months of the year, up 16.3% against the same time last year. Vietnam’s exports to Cambodia hit 3.2 billion USD, rising 5.1%, while imports rose 28.1% to 3.8 billion USD.
The event took place within the Vietnam–RoK Economic Forum which is part of the Vietnamese leader’s state visit to the RoK. The documents span areas including energy, digital infrastructure, manufacturing, logistics, tourism, finance, and high-quality personnel training.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in May, June, and July, the country exported 7,745 batches of fresh durians totaling over 207,000 tonnes, more than 10 times higher than in the first four months of the year, as well as 560 batches of frozen durians weighing nearly 16,000 tonnes, up almost 64.3%.
The global bicycle market is projected to reach 69 billion USD by 2029, growing at 4.2% annually, according to consultancy and market research company Mordor Intelligence.
After a challenging first quarter, during which many companies recorded losses, the Vietnamese cement market has experienced a remarkable recovery, with several firms unexpectedly reporting substantial profits in the second quarter of 2025.
The Party leader said Vietnam is continuing to improve its institutions, enhance the investment and business environment, and address bottlenecks to unlock resources and push ahead with economic restructuring in tandem with renewing the growth model.
Export value to Thailand reached 33 million USD in the first six months, accounting for 10% of Vietnam’s total squid and octopus export revenue and making Thailand the country’s fourth-largest single export market.
Large-scale projects invested by Korean investors in strategic sectors such as semiconductors and energy are poised to give a strong boost to foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into Vietnam, creating momentum to attract more high-value projects from global investors.
The recent administrative merger offers a unique opportunity to establish a unified and synchronised logistics system, turning the Southeastern Key Economic Region into a high-performing hub for trade, investment, and marine economy.
Vietnam’s state budget revenue from import-export activities reached over 261.37 trillion (9.97 billion USD) in the first seven months of 2025, equivalent to 63.6% of the annual estimate and 55.6% of the targeted goal, marking a 9.1% increase year-on-year, the Department of Customs reported.
Experts warned that excessive capital concentration in high-risk sectors like real estate and securities, risks of imbalances and non-performing loans could increase.
Demand for durians in the Chinese market is surging, prompting growing interest among importers in seeking supply from Vietnam. With its geographical proximity, short transport time and distinctive flavour, Vietnamese durian is highly regarded for both quality and long-term growth potential.
Belgium is the world’s largest frozen fries exporter, with over 90 percent being shipped abroad (Source: Flanders Agricultural Marketing Board) 
