Vietnam’s coconut industry has recently emerged as a key economic driver for the Mekong Delta and south-central coastal regions thanks to the signing of agreements paving the way for the product to enter billion-dollar markets such as the US, Europe, and China.

Signed trade agreements are creating favourable conditions for coconut to truly become a key industrial crop. However, this is also a challenge that requires a sustainable development strategy so that coconut products can meet the increasing standard requirements of export markets.

A forum on connecting coconut production and consumption took place in the Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre on December 13, offering a venue for relevant parties to discuss ways to fully tap the potential of both domestic and international markets to develop coconut into a billion-USD industry.

Fresh coconuts, a significant contributor to Vietnam's agricultural exports, are poised to make a substantial impact on the nation's economy through increased shipments to China.

The Vietnam Coconut Association has forecast that coconut exports will hit 1 billion USD this year, driven by the signing of a protocol for official export of fresh coconuts to China.

The southern province of Ben Tre plans to develop its renowned “Xiem” coconut exports by increasing its market value and researching farming technologies and techniques.

Indonesia’s coconut exports in the first eight months of this year reached nearly 900 million USD, while it simultaneously imported commodities worth 8.65 million USD, according to the Indonesia Agriculture Ministry.