The Europe–Việt Nam FTA is helping export of fruits and vegetables to recover after the COVID-19 pandemic. – Photo tapchicongthuong.vn

HCM CITY – Fruit and vegetable exports are showing signs of recovery after a slump in the first three quarters of the year.

Đinh Gia Nghĩa, deputy general director of vegetable and fruit producer and exporter Doveco, said that COVID-19 did not affect the company much since large customers had faith in its ability to supply.

The company has a lot of orders for the rest of the year, he said, adding that the Europe–Việt Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) is proving beneficial.

Before the EVFTA came into effect in August, exports of vegetables and fruits were down, with prices dropping as a result of lack of demand.

The first nine months of the year saw a 11 per cent fall in exports, but the last quarter is seeing a recovery in terms of orders.

Nguyễn Đình Tùng, chairman of fruit exporter Vina T&T Group, told Đầu Tư newspaper that many large markets continue to buy fruits from Việt Nam, which could help businesses increase their exports to make up for the previous lack of sales.

The company had expected to see a big drop in exports this year, but is now confident they would be higher than last year, he said.

Exports of fruits and vegetables to the EU have increased since the trade deal took effect and removed tariffs.

Businesses also have major expansion plans to ensure future growth, and to make use of the EVFTA, they are focusing on modern technologies to process products that are popular in the EU.

Nguyễn Quốc Toản, head of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development’s department of processing and agriculture market development, said the agricultural sector is making an effort in achieving this year’s export target of US$40 billion, and fruits and vegetables are expected to contribute around $3.5 - 3.6 billion. – VNS