Production of canned coconut water at the Bến Tre Import-Export Joint Stock Company (Betrimex) in the Mekong Delta province of Bến Tre. — VNA/VNS Photo Xuân Anh

HÀ NỘI — Fresh coconuts, a growing contributor to Việt Nam's agricultural exports, are poised to make a substantial impact on the nation's economy through increased shipments to China, according to officials.

A recently signed protocol on phytosanitary requirements for fresh Vietnamese coconuts exported to China will enable more sustainable and large-scale access to this vast market, said Nguyễn Quốc Mạnh, deputy director of the Department of Crop Production under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Beyond China, demand for Vietnamese coconuts is also strong in India and the Middle East.

Vice Chairman and General Secretary of the Việt Nam Coconut Association Cao Bá Đăng Khoa said he anticipates a significant breakthrough in exports this year, with revenues expected to reach US$250 million.

Việt Nam's position in the global coconut market is impressive, ranking 6th among the top 10 countries in terms of cultivation area and output. With roughly 200,000ha of coconut plantations, the country produces 2.1 million tonnes of coconuts annually.

Under a development scheme for key industrial crops, Việt Nam aims to expand its coconut cultivation area to up to 210,000ha by 2030. The Mekong Delta will account for a majority of this expansion, with up to 175,000ha, while the coastal south-central region will account for up to 20,000ha.

By 2030, over 30 per cent of the country's coconut cultivation area is expected to follow Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and equivalent standards, with some 30 per cent of coconut areas certified at their production zones. Innovative farming techniques such as inter-cropping and integrated farming will be adopted to increase land productivity.

Mạnh also highlighted the potential for coconut-growing areas to become thriving eco-tourism destinations. By offering experiences like garden tours, local cuisine and visits to traditional craft and coconut processing facilities, these areas can create unique One Commune, One Product (OCOP) items and boost tourism revenue, he said. — VNS