Vietnam prepares to export litchi to Australia

Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai has instructed relevant ministries to quickly assist businesses and farmers to ensure litchi quality for exports to Australia that has permitted the fruit import from Vietnam.

Specifically, the Ministries of Industry and Trade; Agriculture and Rural Development have been tasked to popularize the import country’s technical requirements and other regulations to local authorities, associations, businesses and litchi growers. This aims at creating a foundation to expand export market.
 
The Australian Ministry of Agriculture has allowed their businesses to import litchi from Vietnam since April 18.
 
According to Australian regulations, litchi exporters have to meet the country’s requirements in planting zones, packaging establishments, irradiation treatment and quarantine.
 
The Department of Plant Protection under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development said that it would guide litchi growers to perform Australia’s technical requirements and create the best conditions for businesses to export the fresh fruit this year.
 
The northern province of Bac Giang is the largest litchi growing area in Vietnam with 35,000 hectares comprising 8,000 hectares under VietGap quality standards, reported, the province Party’s Committee Secretary Bui Van Hai.
 
Annually they export about 100,000 tons, mainly to China, and the rest 100,000 tons are for local consumption.
 
Local authorities have worked with relevant agencies to help farmers practice farming techniques and improve litchi quality this season for exports to the U.S and Australia.

(Source: SGGP)