Vietnamese dragon fruit is well-regarded by Indian consumers for its quality. In the context of agricultural trade, both Vietnam and India possess complementary strengths, yet the bilateral trade volume in this sector remains limited. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), Vietnam's agricultural exports to India in 2023 amounted to US$507 million, which represents only 1.5 percent of India's total agricultural imports, reflecting an untapped potential.
India's demand for various agricultural products, including pepper, coffee, cashew nuts, and notably dragon fruit, presents a substantial market opportunity. Despite this, Vietnamese cooperatives and enterprises face challenges in establishing connections and understanding the quality standards required for the Indian market, which are perceived to be less stringent than those of Europe or China.
Trần Đình Trung, Chairman of Thuận Tiến Dragon Fruit Cooperative, highlighted India's significant demand for dragon fruit, driven by its large vegetarian population and cultural practices. Efforts to engage with the Indian market have included participation in international fairs and direct visits by Indian delegations, leading to export contracts. However, geographical distance poses challenges in terms of transportation costs and product quality maintenance, impacting the competitiveness of Vietnamese exports.
Chí Anh, Founder and CEO of Ago Import-Export Co, Ltd, emphasized the importance of leveraging online platforms and social networks to connect with Indian partners, focusing on sustainable production values. With approximately 47 direct shipping routes from Vietnam to India weekly, logistical planning remains crucial for maintaining product quality and developing brand recognition to attract new customers and enhance revenue.
Source: Việt Nam News