Conference seeks to expand export markets for Vietnamese pepper and spices

Addressing the gathering, Huynh Tan Dat, director of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Plant Protection Department, noted that Vietnam has a high level of biodiversity with many valuable crops. Of this pepper and spices have contributed significantly to national GDP, improving farmer livelihoods and positioning Vietnamese brand in the world market.

Vietnam has been the world leader in pepper production and export for more than 20 years. It has also ranked first in the world for cinnamon export and third in anise export since 2022. Its pepper and spices are currently exported to more than 125 countries and territories worldwide, ranking third in global spice export, thereby gaining a firm foothold in many important markets.

However, he admitted that the local spice industry still has significant untapped potential. Scattered production is hindering the application of technologies, while encouraging large-scale investment in agriculture remains a major challenge.

It is imperative to strive to increase cooperation and establish sustainable supply chains towards the goal of promoting the sustainable and comprehensive development of the spice industry, said the official.

Meanwhile, Le Hoang Tai, deputy director of the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s Trade Promotion Agency, shared that despite maintaining its position as the largest pepper exporter in the world, the local spice industry still faces a number of difficulties and challenges sparked by unpredictable market developments, political instabilities, prolonged trade conflicts causing supply chain disruptions, along with rising inflation and falling demand.

Major importers such as the United States, the EU, and markets in the Middle East are increasing requirements about sustainability of products, which in turn brings not only challenges but also opportunities for producers like Vietnam to change and develop.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade will move to increase trade promotions in a bid to develop markets and build brands sustainably for Vietnamese pepper and spices, through supporting businesses to participate in major fairs and exhibitions both domestically and internationally, he said.

Taking the floor, Hoang Thi Lien, president of the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA), pointed out that VIPO 2024 serves as a platform for exporters, suppliers, cooperatives, farmers, and various government bodies to foster networking and explore cooperation opportunities.

Besides establishing business connections with potential markets such as the EU, the US, the Middle East, China, and India, the conference is expected to help local players understand ongoing market trends and demands as a way of better shaping their production and export strategies, stressed Lien.

Through the conference, she said experts and businesses could propose sustainable development solutions to maintain natural sources, as well as to meet environmental and social factors.

Businesses need to seek to enhance their role in ensuring people’s livelihoods, bringing farmers into the production chains to improve product quality, and meeting relevant market requirements, she said.