Developing Dong Nai's pomelo export value chain

On the afternoon of June 5, the Dong Nai Department of Agriculture and Environment, in coordination with the Vietnam Agribusiness Club, held a conference on developing Dong Nai's pomelo value chain and expanding both domestic and international markets. Representatives from departments and agencies, experts, cooperatives, farmers, and export enterprises nationwide attended the conference.

Le Thi Anh Tuyet, Deputy Director of the Dong Nai Department of Agriculture and Environment, speaks at the conference. Photo: B. Nguyen

With nearly 11,000 hectares of pomelo cultivation, Dong Nai is one of the largest pomelo-producing regions in the South. The city also benefits from favorable soil conditions and large-scale growing areas, particularly for green-skin pomelo, the main export variety, which accounts for 86% of the varietal structure.

Export enterprises introduce standards for export-grade pomelos at the conference. Photo: B. Nguyen

Vietnam’s pomelo industry is entering a new stage of development. On April 15, 2026, Vietnam and China officially signed a protocol on phytosanitary requirements for pomelos, paving the way for official exports of pomelos to China, the world’s largest market with a population of 1.4 billion. In addition, Vietnamese pomelos have considerable potential for export to the United States and other high-end markets. To capitalize on this opportunity, Dong Nai must develop standardized growing areas and sustainable value-chain linkages.

Le Viet Binh (center), Deputy Chief of Office of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment in charge of the southern region, presents flowers to experts and enterprises at the conference. Photo: B. Nguyen

The conference focused on introducing regulations and requirements for establishing growing areas and export packing facilities; criteria for phytosanitary measures, pest management, traceability, safe farming practices, and quality control in accordance with export market standards; and the role of linkages in the supply and consumption chain.

A pomelo farmer from Tri An ward speaks at the conference. Photo: B. Nguyen

Le Viet Binh, Deputy Chief of Office of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment in charge of the southern region, emphasized that fresh fruit exports are growing rapidly and market potential remains substantial, including for the pomelo industry. In particular, the large Chinese market has opened to pomelos. However, opening a new market is only the first step. The pomelo industry must build an integrated value chain, ensure traceability, and compete through quality.

Dong Nai has proactively organized programs for export enterprises to visit pomelo-growing areas and connect stakeholders to build the pomelo export value chain. Dong Nai faces a significant opportunity and must focus on establishing growing-area and packing-facility codes, traceability systems, and a brand for its pomelos, so the industry can develop in a modern, sustainable manner while effectively meeting the demands of both domestic and international markets.

Representatives sign a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between the Dong Nai Department of Agriculture and Environment and stakeholders in the pomelo export value chain. Photo: B. Nguyen

Representatives sign a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between the Vietnam Agribusiness Club and export enterprises, cooperatives, and pomelo farmers in Dong Nai. Photo: B. Nguyen

By Binh Nguyen – Translated by Minh Hong, Minho