The hidden potential of exporting agricultural products to the African market

​(News Portal – Dong Nai) - On the afternoon of November 1, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ha Kim Ngoc chaired an online discussion on the topic of "Promoting agricultural products at Vietnamese representative agencies in Africa" to promote and export Vietnamese agricultural products to Africa. Attending the conference at Dong Nai province’s side were leaders of the Department of External Relations, Department of Industry and Trade, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and representatives of multiple businesses in the province. 

Online discussion "Promoting agricultural products at Vietnamese representative agencies in Africa" held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dong Nai province 

In the first 9 months of 2023, Vietnam's total trade turnover with the world decreased by nearly 11% compared to the same period last year. However, turnover with the African market increased by 4,7%, reaching 4,35 billion USD, of which Vietnam's export turnover reached 2,25 billion USD. Especially, Vietnam's agricultural exports to this market increased compared to the same period in 2022. With a population of more than 1,3 billion people with limited production capacity, Africa has high demand for imported agricultural products and food, especially rice, coffee, pepper... These are the top products of Vietnam, so this new market is the highlight in Vietnam's overall exportation in the currently struggled global economy, as multiple traditional markets for Vietnam's agricultural exports are in declined. This region still has a lot of potential and room to promote agricultural exports.

With the goal of promoting and increasing the export of Vietnamese agricultural products to Africa, Vietnamese embassies in Africa have proactively established rooms and display areas to introduce export samples of Vietnamese products, helping to successfully connect with a number of local partners and local businesses with Vietnamese partners. However, the implementation process is still limited, the number and types of goods on display is quite small, and there are challenges in transporting and storing agricultural products. This discussion is an opportunity to exchange information and propose solutions to promote and export Vietnamese agricultural products to Africa.

Mr. Bui Ha Nam, Chief of the Department of West Asian - Africa Affairs, emphasizes that this discussion is an opportunity to exchange information and propose solutions to promote and export of Vietnamese agricultural products to the potential African market. However, businesses need to continue to improve their ability to compete in price and quality with other suppliers in the world. Vietnam also needs many appropriate solutions and methods to promote agricultural products to businesses and consumers in this market. Localities and businesses need to coordinate more closely with Vietnamese embassies in Africa in organizing product displays, proactively providing samples, information documents introducing sample products... in a direct and focus way. ​