China has strength in producing the largest potatoes in the world, while Vietnam is famous for a brand-name of Dalat potatoes, however, export turnover of this item is not commensurate with the two countries’ potential. This is the general opinion shared by delegates in the business matching between Vietnamese and Chinese enterprises on agricultural cooperation, focusing on potato products, recently held by Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) in Hanoi.
The event was attended by 30 participants from research institutions, trade promotion agencies and businesses operating in the agricultural sector of Vietnam and China. This is an opportunity for businesses from Guizhou province, China to directly introduce their products and exchange with Vietnamese enterprises; and in return, Vietnamese businesses also have a chance to find out information and access the Guizhou market, opening new opportunities not only for potatoes but also other agricultural products.
China has recently become a big consumer of Vietnam’s agricultural products, mainly focusing on Vietnam’s strong products such as rubber, cashew nuts, cassava, tea, rice and vegetables. According to the statistics of General Department of Vietnam Customs, export turnover of Vietnam’s agricultural and forestry products to China increases two-fold, from US$1.633 billion in 2006 to US$3.507 billion in 2010. Particularly in 2011, Vietnam’s total export turnover of agricultural-forestry-fishery products reached US$25 billion, of which, China accounted for US$5 billion, becoming Vietnam’s biggest market for these products.
However, reality shows that the export of Vietnam’s potatoes to other countries is not effective in recent times; a large amount of poor quality potatoes believed to be originated from China has spilled into Vietnam through irregular routes, which badly affects the prestige of the two countries’ agricultural enterprises as well as Vietnam’s potatoes markets.
Therefore, at the business matching, Mr Luo Y, Business Director of Guizhou Commercial Maritime Co., Ltd., representative of Guizhou business group said that the companies are willing to cooperate and exchange agricultural products with Vietnam’s agricultural enterprises through the regular way. This will help create Guizhou-brand name of potatoes closer to Vietnamese consumers as well as bring Vietnam’s potatoes to Chinese consumers. Mr Luo Y also said that this is the first time that Guizhou business group has come to Vietnam for market survey.
Speaking at the event, Dr Doan Duy Khuong, Vice President of VCCI said that China is the largest trade partner of ASEAN while ASEAN is the fourth biggest of China. He also emphasized that “the economic relationship between Vietnam and China is becoming favourable and firmly strengthened after the ASEAN – China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) became effective in June 2010.”
Dr Doan Duy Khuong also said, “I hope that today’s meeting will be a good premise to bring opportunities for investment and cooperation between Vietnam and Guizhou enterprises, contributing to strengthening traditional friendship and cooperation between the two countries.”
Dang Yen
Vietnamese
