Hanoi (VNA) ♒– Fresh coconuts, a burgeoning contributor to Vietnam's agricultural exports, are poised to make a substantial impact on the nation's economy through increased shipments to China, according to officials.

The recently signed protocol on phytosanitary requirements for Vietnamese fresh coconuts exported to China will enable more sustainable and large-scale access to this vast market, said Nguyen Quoc Manh, Deputy Director of the Department of Crop Production under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Beyond China, demand for Vietnamese coconuts is also strong in India and the Middle East.Vice Chairman and General Secretary of the Vietnam Coconut Association Cao Ba Dang Khoa anticipated a significant breakthrough in exports this year, with revenues expected to reach 250 million USD. Vietnam's position in the global coconut market is impressive, ranking 6th among the top 10 countries in terms of cultivation area and output. With roughly 200,000 ha of coconut plantations, the country produces 2.1 million tonnes of coconuts annually. Under a development scheme for key industrial crops, Vietnam aims to expand coconut cultivation area to 195,000-210,000 ha by 2030. The Mekong Delta will account for the majority of this expansion, with 170,000-175,000 ha, while the coastal south-central region will have 16,000-20,000 ha. By 2030, over 30% of coconut cultivation area is expected to follow Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and equivalent standards, with some 30% of coconut areas certified at their production zones. Innovative farming techniques such as inter-cropping and integrated farming will be adopted to increase land productivity. Manh also highlighted the potential for coconut-growing areas to become thriving eco-tourism destinations. By offering experiences like garden tours, local cuisine, and visits to traditional craft and coconut processing facilities, these areas can create unique One Commune, One Product (OCOP) items and boost tourism revenue, he said./.