The new bilateral protocol, which opens the Vietnamese market to South African oranges, is good news ahead of the 2024 citrus export season that ramps up next month, according to Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa (CGA).

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (Dalrrd) of South African and CGA in a joint statement this week (March 16) said Vietnam offered an export potential of 15 000 tons of oranges.

“This will translate into more job opportunities and revenue generation,” CGA said, adding that this historic protocol came almost a decade after a change in Vietnamese import regulations necessitated a new protocol.

“Dalrrd and the CGA have in that time worked together to make sure local citrus growers would benefit from increased market access. Their collaborative efforts were underpinned by extensive technical work provided by Citrus Research International, a subsidiary of the CGA,” it further said.

The opening of new export opportunities to drive export-led inclusive growth of the agricultural sector was part of Dalrrd’s strategy and commitment to support farmers.