Implementing the National Trade Promotion Program (Trade Promotion) in 2020, the Trade Promotion Department (Ministry of Industry and Trade) coordinates with the Europe - America Market Department, the Trade Office - Vietnam Embassy in the Netherlands and Hiep Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (Vinafruit) organizes the Vietnam - Netherlands Fruit, Vegetable Online Trade Conference 2020, on September 29, 2020.

The event aims to widely promote the export potentials and strengths of Vietnamese vegetable, fruit and fruit products and connect Vietnamese suppliers with business partners who import, distribute, wholesale and retail of potential fruits in the Dutch market in particular and the EU market in general, taking advantage of the newly implemented EVFTA Agreement. The conference attracted the participation of 22 enterprises exporting Vietnamese vegetables, tubers and fruits and 10 importers of Dutch 

The conference will include Plenary Session and Trade Sessions, 1: 1 online connection between Vietnamese businesses and each potential Dutch importer by commodity category. In particular, at the trade conference all Vietnamese and Dutch businesses will have the opportunity to learn about business opportunities with the Vietnamese vegetable, fruit and fruit industry from the Vietnam - EU Free Trade Agreement ( EVFTA); Vietnam - Netherlands strategic partnership agreement on sustainable agricultural development and food security; prospects of agricultural cooperation between the two countries from EVFTA; information about sea / air transport routes for vegetables, fruits, and fruits to Europe.

Due to the impact of the Covid-19 epidemic, Vietnam's export of vegetables, tubers and fruits has faced many difficulties in recent years. In the first 8 months of 2020, the export of vegetables and fruits is estimated at 2.26 billion USD, down 11.3% compared to the same period in 2019. It is forecasted that this year, fruit and vegetable exports may still decline by about 10% compared to the same period in 2019. However, it is expected that the export of vegetables, tubers and fruits to the EU will prosper in the near future. In August 2020, the export value of fruit and vegetable products from Vietnam to the EU was estimated at 14.7 million USD, up 25.2% over the previous month.

The Netherlands is the largest importer of fruits and vegetables from Vietnam in the EU. Currently more than 20% of fresh fruit and vegetables supplied to Europe by developing countries to the EU through the Netherlands. From the port of Rotterdam, the main point of import, Dutch and international traders will distribute the product to many other European countries.

Vegetables, tubers and fruits of Vietnam are assessed to have been and are being opened to the EU since August 1, 2020. Currently, the EU is the fourth export market for Vietnamese fruits and vegetables. EVFTA opens up huge opportunities for Vietnam's vegetables, tubers and fruits in the EU market, which is the largest import market in the world.

The EU is a market with stable demand for fruits and vegetables (accounting for 45% of the global trade value of vegetables and fruits). The EU's large market size and seasonal demand are an attractive market for suppliers in developing countries. However, EU importers often look for reliable suppliers in strategic areas that can supply fruits and vegetables to consumers at any time of the year. The exotic and tropical fruits will appeal to EU consumers. This will be a strength for exporters from countries with tropical climates including Vietnam.

However, the EU is a "difficult" market with strict regulations on technical barriers, pesticide residues, banned substances ... If violating, the enterprise will be returned the goods, causing damage not only to the enterprise but also to the fruit and vegetable industry in Vietnam. Therefore, safe production in the direction of GAP is a must.

In addition, deep processing will help make use of vegetables, tubers and fruits as raw materials for processing, thereby maximizing the value of harvested products, helping farmers increase more. The income generated by the product is consumed.

Participation in the Vietnam - Holland 2020 fruit, vegetable, fruit and vegetable online trade conference is a good opportunity for businesses to access the Dutch market as well as the EU market, thereby boosting export turnover of Vietnamese vegetables and fruits to this potential market./.