Pomelo has officially become the third fresh fruit from Vietnam permitted for import into South Korea, following dragon fruit and mango, the Plant Protection Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development announced on Thursday.

The Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA) of South Korea has issued import regulations for fresh pomelo from Vietnam after three months of consulting with relevant agencies.

The event marks a significant milestone, opening up great opportunities for Vietnamese agricultural products to access international markets and affirming their quality and reputation in the global market, according to the Plant Protection Department.

The department initiated the market expansion program for fresh pomelo, targeting the South Korean market, in 2018. However, the negotiation process accelerated after the COVID-19 pandemic.

After two years of information exchange and negotiations, the Plant Protection Department and APQA reached a technical agreement during a meeting in April this year.

On July 18, the Plant Protection Department published draft requirements in plant quarantine and food safety for Vietnam’s fresh pomelo to be exported to South Korea on its website.

Vietnam generated US$3.5 billion from vegetable and fruit exports in the first half of this year. 

South Korea was the second largest buyer of Vietnam’s vegetables and fruits with export revenue reaching $180 million, soaring 57.9 percent year on year, the Vietnam News Agency reported, citing the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

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