A ceremony on October 9 in Hanoi marked the official opening of Vietnam's pomelo exports to Australia and Australian blueberry exports to Vietnam. The event was jointly organized by Vietnam's Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and the Australian Embassy.
The agreements included import conditions for Australian blueberries into Vietnam and an Operational Work Plan outlining the requirements for Vietnamese pomelos entering Australia. Pomelo has now become the eighth Vietnamese fruit permitted in the Australian market, alongside dragon fruit, mango, longan, rambutan, lychee, star apple, and passion fruit. Blueberries are now the eighth Australian fruit allowed into Vietnam, joining grapes, oranges, mandarins, cherries, peaches, nectarines, and plums.
Speaking at the event, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Gillian Bird said, "Today's agreements reflect our shared commitment to advancing agricultural trade and ensuring consumers in both countries have access to fresh, high-quality produce. Australia has been a consistent supplier of cotton, wheat, red meat, dairy products, and vegetables to Vietnam, while we have a strong and growing appetite for Vietnamese products such as seafood, coffee, rice, and fruit." She highlighted the short transport distance, noting that "fresh Australian blueberries can reach Vietnamese consumers within 24 hours of harvest. Likewise, Australian consumers are eager to soon enjoy the taste of Vietnamese grapefruit."
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Hoang Trung emphasized that the milestone reflects cooperation between the two countries. He said the approval of Vietnamese pomelos underscores trust in Vietnam's agricultural standards and creates opportunities for other fruits in the Australian market. "It also demonstrates their shared commitment to sustainable development for the benefit of farmers and consumers in both nations, in line with the strong and comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Australia," he added.
The Deputy Minister cited Vietnam's ability to harvest pomelos year-round and supply up to 1.2 million tons annually. With about 110,000 hectares under cultivation, Vietnam is the world's second-largest pomelo producer, with production concentrated in the Mekong Delta, Red River Delta, and northern midland and mountainous regions. In 2024, exports of fresh pomelos reached approximately US$60 million.
Director Huynh Thanh Dat of the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection confirmed that the department will coordinate with provincial agencies to ensure compliance with Australia's phytosanitary and food safety requirements. "We will organize training sessions, disseminate updated regulations, and guide local producers on establishing certified growing areas and packing facilities," he said.
Vietnamese fresh pomelos are already exported to 14 countries and territories, including the US, the Republic of Korea, and New Zealand. The reciprocal fruit trade with Australia is expected to diversify consumer choices and support the development of a two-way supply chain.
Source 1: Vietnam+
Source 2: Saigon News
