Vietnam appeals to India to remove tariff & non-tariff barriers for Vietnamese fruits

Vietnamese Ambassador to India Pham Sanh Chau has urged India to open its market for the Vietnam-produced dragon fruit, which is one of the major exports for the South East Asian country. According to news agency ANI, ambassador Pham Sanh Chau was speaking at a virtual seminar, where he appealed to India to open its market and simplify the administrative procedures for greater access. The ambassador also called on India to remove tariff and non-tariff barriers for other Vietnamese fruits, including longan, grapefruit, durian, and rambutan. 

Read: Asia Today: Vietnam To Resume International Flights

Why is dragon fruit important for Vietnam?

Dragon fruit accounts for nearly $450 million in exports for Vietnam each year and the country's appeal to India, one of the world's largest markets, to open up for the commodity should not be a surprise. At the moment, China, Indonesia, and Thailand are the three largest markets for Vietnam for selling dragon fruit. The country, however, is also aiming at New Zealand, Australia, and Chile apart from India to sell the egg-shaped fruit. India also produces dragon fruit in states like Tripura, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and West Bengal. 

Read: Vietnam FM On ASEAN Talks, ASEAN Chief On Rohingya

Pham Sanh Chau was speaking at the seminar "Fruits and food: New trade opportunities for Vietnam and India" held last week as part of the India-Vietnam Business Forum 2020 framework. As per the report, more than 100 businesses attended the virtual seminar organised by the Vietnamese embassy in India in association with relevant organisations such as the Indian Importers Chambers of Commerce and Industry (IICCI). The event was also attended by Shubhra, Trade Adviser at the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare. 

"India is fully capable of providing many types of fruits and agricultural products that Vietnam is importing from across the world, such as pomegranates, grapes, wheat, and cotton. Vietnam is striving to become an agro-processing centre by 2030, this goal can help the two countries to develop stronger and more meaningful cooperation," Shubhra was quoted as saying by ANI. 

Read: Vietnam Declared Its Independence From France On This Day In 1945: Read More

Read: Vietnam Briefs India Over Situation In South China Sea

(With inputs from ANI)