Agriculture Ministry announces opening of Vietnamese market for Chilean cherries
The Vietnamese Agriculture and Rural Development Ministry authorized exports of cherries, one of Chile's star agricultural products. In return, Chile authorized grapefruit imports from Vietnam.
Domestic authorities classified the announcement of the opening of the Vietnamese market for Chilean cherries as good news. This agreement between the Chilean Agriculture Ministry and the Vietnamese Agriculture and Rural Development Ministry authorizes cherry and grapefruit imports and helps the Agriculture Ministry move forward on its strategy to expand the country’s portfolio during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Regarding the opening of the valuable Vietnamese market for Chile, Agriculture Minister Antonio Walker commented, “We should continue opening new markets for Chilean products. It is very important for us to continue expanding our borders, which makes us increasingly competitive in international markets. Our entry to Vietnam is part of the strategy we are implementing to broaden our market portfolio in the event of pandemic-related problems in any of our markets.”
“Additionally, these negotiations, which we have conducted together with the private sector, enable us to continue expanding our global presence. Southeast Asia is very important for us because it is home to 600 million potential buyers of Chilean products and Vietnam is one of the region's most relevant markets for us,” added Walker.
International Economic Relations Undersecretary Rodrigo Yañez praised the opening of a growing number of domestic products. “The cherry opening comes at a good time, on the brink of the export season and the celebration of the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. This is major news since greater commercial openness and market diversification helps a small economy like Chile’s continue to grow in a global context of uncertainty. This development is framed within the government’s strategy of public health diplomacy that, thanks to joint efforts, will improve sanitary access for products in international markets, diversify destinations and promote resilient foreign trade,” he commented.
The national director of the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG), Horacio Bórquez, said he was very pleased with the news since “it resulted from working together with Vietnamese phytosanitary authorities. Last year we visited with the head of the Agricultural and Forestry Protection Division, which led to opening the Vietnamese market for Chilean cherries for the 2020 season. The commitment and determination of the production-export sector helps us achieve these goals; therefore, SAG will continue working for achievements like these, which ultimately benefit a key sector of the domestic economy.”
From the private sector, the president of the Fruit Exporters’ Association (ASOEX), Ronald Bown, also highlighted the opening and commented, “This is very good news, especially because it will give us a new market for cherry exports, a sector where volumes are on the rise. Harvests will begin in late October so this development arrives at the right time. We are working with the ASOEX Cherry Committee and ProChile to carry out promotional activities to support the fruit’s entry into the market.”
“Last season Chile exported 228,586 tons of cherries. Of this amount, around 90% was sent to China. So, it's important to diversify our exports within Asia, such as to Vietnam, a market that consumes a lot of imported fruit, especially high quality fruit like our cherries,” concluded Bown.
The director of the Office of Agrarian Studies and Policies (ODEPA), María Emilia Undurraga, emphasized that “this agreement is the result of coordination between the Agriculture Ministry and the Foreign Affairs Ministry, which has enabled us to move forward on different openings during this year. Even though the global situation has been complex, we have managed to expand opportunities for Chilean growers, which, in turn, has a relevant impact on regional employment and the wellbeing of families in these regions.”
In the framework of Chile's commercial opening process, the first shipment of Chilean apples reached Vietnam in mid-August. On the topic, the Chilean Ambassador to Vietnam, Jaime Chomalí, expressed his desire to continue forging paths “so that all our Vietnamese friends have the chance to taste the best products Chile has to offer.”
Properties of Cherries
Cherries are highly nutritious and an excellent source of vitamins C and E, potassium, magnesium, iron, folic acid and fiber, and also boast high levels of natural antioxidants, in particular anthocyanins. They help prevent cardiovascular disease and regulate blood pressure. In addition, their high water content keeps us hydrated, especially our skin, and helps regenerate organic tissue. They are also recommended for cases of arteriosclerosis, obesity, arthritis, constipation, gastric disorders and rheumatism.
Chilean cherry exports to the world have reported impressive growth in recent years. The total volume exported in the 2017-2018 period alone was twice the 2016-2017 period and reports for the 2019-2020 period are anticipating a 15% rise in sales. Chilean growers produce several cherry varieties such as Bing, Lapins, Santina, Sweet Heart and Rainier, among others, all of which have a sweet flavor and intense color that make them extremely popular around the world