"Canada exported US$ 1.2 million worth of fresh cherries to Vietnam in 2014, more than double the value in 2013," shared Ms Barbara Nadeau, Senior Trade Commissioner, the Embassy of Canada to Vietnam, at the first-ever event introducing Canadian cherries held recently in Vietnam.
According to the Embassy of Canada to Vietnam, the two countries' trade relationship has been growing constantly. In 2014, bilateral merchandise trade reached the highest level ever, of over CAD3.3 billion. Exports of agricultural products and seafood of Canada to Vietnam in the first four months of 2015 climbed to CAD116 million, nearly 50 percent of this sector's previous year's figures.
The top agricultural products and seafood Canada exported to Vietnam include: geoduck, fresh lobster, oysters, cod and other cold water fish, soy, wheat, oily grains, pork, beef, apples and cherries.
According to Ms Barbara Nadeau, from now on, Vietnamese consumers would have the opportunity to enjoy the special taste of the Canadian cherries coming from the well-known farms in British Columbia, where all farmers had certification for food safety and traceability. "Canada has management systems in place to ensure that the fruits do not suffer from pests, are safe, healthy and nutritious for the consumer," confirmed Ms Barbara Nadeau.
Canadian agriculture and food production are world-class level, giving priority to the quality of products, with investment in quality, safety and also considering environmental protection. With its vast land of high diversity, surrounded in three fronts by oceans and owning a huge freshwater lake system, Canada has favorable conditions for the production of high quality raw materials for food.
According to experts, Canada is an attractive market for businesses all over the world, with annual merchandise imports of about US$500 billion, and it is a good opportunity for the Vietnam market.
The partnership between Vietnam and Canada has been constantly evolving in recent years, bilateral trade has achieved encouraging results, especially exports to Canada. In the first four months of 2015, total two-way trade between Vietnam and Canada reached US$829.34 million, up 36.4 percent year-on-year; of which Vietnam exported to Canada approximately US$ 702.84 million, up 24.8 percent and imported US$126.50 million, up 11.8 percent year-on-year.
Vietnam's export to Canada consists mainly of textiles; seafood; computers, electronic products and components; footwear; timber and wood products; and agricultural products. Of which, textiles claim the largest proportion, followed by computers and electronic products and components. Footwear stood third.
Vietnam's import from the Canadian market in the first four months of 2015 consisted mainly of fertilizers of various kinds; machinery, equipment, tools and spare parts; wheat, soybeans; gem stones, precious metals and products; and agricultural products.
Quynh Anh
Vietnamese
