The Vietnam-South Korea trade promotion forum for agricultural products 2019
Vietnam had also only been allowed to export five types of fruits to South Korea.
South Korea imports up to USD8.44bn worth of vegetables and fruits, most of them are cabbage, lettuce, radish, chilli, garlic, and bell pepper. It is estimated that South Koreans eat an average of 200kg vegetables each year.
Korea Chamber of Business in Vietnam’s (KorCham) vice-chairman Hong Sun said that there was a huge potential since Vietnam's agricultural products are diverse and plentiful. However, due to weak brand recognition, prices and quality, Vietnam is unable to leverage its products.
Production in Vietnam is still too small-scaled with outdated farming techniques so the productivity is low but the production cost is high. Moreover, many products from Vietnam must be irradiated but there is only one centre in the southern province that carries out this process.
According to Hong Sun, Vietnam must focus on four measures to improve including guidance to farmers on each step to improve the product quality. If there are problems with raw materials, the finished products will not be able to meet requirements no matter what. Moreover, the firms should be supported to focus on air cargo and the government must push to develop organic agriculture.
Kim Yae Jin, vice director of the Korea Agro-trade Centre in HCM City said more South Korean prefer online shopping and like environmentally-friendly and unique marketing methods.
