Australian trade officials are calling on food exporters to step up promotions in Vietnam to benefit from the growing market, reported Australian Associated Press (APP) on February 22.

The news agency quoted Janelle Casey, Australia’s acting senior trade commissioner for Vietnam, as saying that a burgeoning middle class in Vietnam with a higher disposable income is increasingly looking for quality food and healthy, safe options.

Australian fruit in a super market in Vietnam. Source: giaoduc.net.vn

She said retailers and food outlets in Vietnam need high-quality international products to meet the demand.

Vietnamese consumers are increasingly aware of health and wellness issues and are paying greater attention to the quality and safety of food - key factors that are driving change in consumption patterns, Casey added.

She said local restaurants and importers are keen to access more Australian-grown food and imported beverages, and that Australian products have a high-quality reputation in Vietnam.

Australia’s exports to Vietnam last year were led by metal imports, wheat and coal.

Tech products imported from Vietnam to Australia are also on the rise.

Trade data showed that Australia has become a key target market for the country's fast growing mobile phone exports, with sales growth of more than 30 percent in 2015.

Trade turnover between the two countries reached USD 4.93 billion in 2015, according to statistics from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.

Vietnam recorded a trade surplus of approximately USD 900 million with Australia.

Source: VNA