‘Wish that Vietnamese fruit be widely introduced by Beijing people’’

Li Yan, Deputy Director of the Asia Department (Ministry of Commerce of China), conveyed his unique emotions regarding becoming a part of the inaugural Vietnam Fruit Festival in Beijing during the commencement of his address. 

“The fruits are fragrant, and September brings autumn.” The Deputy Director of the Asia Department (Ministry of Commerce, China) expressed his profound joy in participating in the Vietnam Fruit Festival during the autumn days.

He stated that Vietnam and China are good friends, good partners, good neighbors, and good comrades, as sharing mountain and river borders. Under the strategic direction of the senior leadership of the two Parties and States, the collaboration between Vietnam and China has yielded numerous advantageous outcomes in a variety of domains. 

The primary force behind the Vietnam-China relationship is economic and trade cooperation. China has been Vietnam’s greatest trading partner since 2004, and Vietnam has been China’s largest trading partner within the ASEAN region since 2016. 

Compared to the same period last year, the bilateral trade turnover between China and Vietnam increased by nearly 20% from January to August 2024, totaling nearly USD 170 billion. 

Vietnam’s main market for fruit and vegetable exports is China. In 2023, Vietnam’s agricultural exports to China comprised up to 21% of the total value of Vietnam’s agricultural exports worldwide. 

High-quality Vietnamese fruits, including durian, dragon fruit, bananas, and mangoes, have penetrated the market of 1.4 billion individuals as a result of the collaborative efforts of both parties. Simultaneously, Vietnamese-produced culinary items, including pho and coffee, have become increasingly popular among Chinese consumers.

The depth and breadth of cooperation between the two countries in technology, standards, and agricultural production are expanding in tandem with the comprehensive implementation of the  Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement and the ongoing enhancement of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement. 

“This is the inaugural fruit promotion event in Beijing organized by Vietnam.” The Deputy Director of the Asia Department, Ministry of Commerce, China, expressed his optimism that Vietnamese enterprises will capitalize on this opportunity and actively investigate the Chinese market. “I also hope that the people of Beijing will seize this rare opportunity to enjoy the delicious fruits of Vietnam and introduce these unique fruit flavors to their friends and family.”

The Vietnam Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Embassy of Vietnam in China, and the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, organized the inaugural Vietnam Fruit Festival in Beijing, China, on September 29-30, to commemorate the successful results of the State visit to China by the General Secretary and President of Vietnam To Lam,  and the high-level meeting of the Vietnamese leader with General Secretary and President of China, Xi Jinping. 

This marks the inaugural fruit festival and the debut fruit promotion event in Beijing, China, hosted by Vietnam. This presents a valuable opportunity for businesses from both countries to establish connections, engage in trade, and foster collaboration in the development of the produce industry of both countries. Furthermore, this event will provide businesses and consumers from both countries with the chance to savor the delectable and unadulterated fruits of Vietnam.

This event is of great importance, as it signifies the fruitful collaboration between the two countries in the fields of agriculture and agricultural trade.