The European market is viewed as an opportunity for Dong Nai businesses seeking to expand exports in fruits, vegetables, and other produce categories under the agricultural and fisheries sectors. The EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), in place for more than five years, continues to support Vietnamese exporters, including companies operating in Dong Nai.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the European Union has more than 450 million consumers and a GDP of US$19.4 trillion. It is the world's third-largest market for agricultural, forestry, and fisheries products and is Vietnam's fourth-largest export destination for these goods. In the first nine months of 2025, Vietnam exported US$7.42 billion in agricultural, forestry, and fishery products to the EU, an increase of more than 40 per cent compared to the same period in 2024.
Dong Nai identifies the EU as a strategic partner. Two-way trade exceeded US$1 billion in the first nine months of 2025, with US$949 million in exports. Produce items shipped to the EU include fruits and vegetables, and cashew nuts.
Nguyen Duy Hung, Vice President of the Dong Nai Import-Export Association, said that cashew nuts, processed fruits, and pepper from Dong Nai have potential in the EU, but exporters must follow strict quality and traceability requirements.
Dang Tuong Khanh, Chairman of Trong Duc Cocoa Co., Ltd., said the company exports raw materials and cocoa products to Japan and the Republic of Korea while expanding exports of fermented cocoa beans to Europe. He stated, "Europe is a major market with significant potential for developing the export of the region's key agricultural products. The company focuses on improving raw material sources, applying clean production standards, and implementing traceability and cultivation area codes to actively connect with and expand its consumption and export markets, including Europe in the near future."
At a mid-November 2025 workshop, Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the ministry continues working with localities, associations, and businesses to improve access to the EU market. She noted ongoing dialogues with EU authorities to address challenges and make use of EVFTA, including cooperation on technical issues and green transition.
Experts note that EU buyers increasingly require green production and environmental sustainability. Nguyen Cong An, CEO of Eco Technology 2A JSC, said the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), effective since June 2023, requires full traceability to the plantation level for produce categories such as coffee.
Nguyen Duy Hung added that EU requirements include environmental and social standards, traceability, and packaging. He said exporters must stay updated on free trade agreements, especially the EVFTA.
Tran Mac Van Anh of Medifood.IO Co., Ltd. said Europe is seen as a potential market for nutritional bar products. The company is improving product quality and using environmentally certified packaging while building connections with partners across Europe.
Source: Dong Nai Newspaper & Radio
