Bac Giang boosts litchi exports to potential markets

The northern province of Bac Giang is promoting litchi exports to the US, the EU, Japan and the Republic of Korea (RoK) by implementing a master plan to zone off and produce litchi cultivation in accordance with modern food quality and hygiene standards.

Nearly 100 ha of litchi in Luc Ngan district has been cultivated in line with GlobalGAP standards, expected to generate 500-600 tons for export to traditional markets such as China, Laos and Cambodia. Meanwhile, VietGAP-standardised litchi cultivation will be enlarged to 9,500 ha producing 47,000-57,000 tons per year.

The province has mapped out a specific plan to develop litchi in Luc Ngan district to ensure adequate supply for export to new markets, developing 150 ha under GlobalGAP in 2016 and 250 ha in 2020.

Litchi cultivation in Bac Giang. Photo: baobacgiang.com.vn

The provincial Department of Science and Technology together with scientists from research institutes and universities held a workshop to introduce Israel’s irradiation technology to produce qualified litchi for export.

Luc Ngan litchi brand name has received protection certification in Japan, the RoK and Cambodia and it is expected to be guaranteed in China and Cambodia during the second quarter of this year.

The Department is working to register brand name protection in the US, Australia, Singapore, Israel, Germany, France and Russia.

It is also currently preparing for a number of conferences to promote consumption and working with Vietnam Airlines to discuss ways to bring litchi into the carrier’s in-flight food options.

Meanwhile, the Luc Ngan District People’s Committee is asking relevant agencies to instruct and inspect litchi cultivation processes applying new technology in accordance with VietGAP and GlobalGAP standards.

It also requests litchi growers to follow preservation regulations before exporting to foreign markets.

Tran Van Loc, Director of the provincial Department of Industry and Trade, said that Dong Giao Export Food Company is working with the province to discuss measures for Luc Ngan litchi exports as it has signed a contract to sell 5,000 tonnes of frozen litchi to the US, Japan and the RoK.

In addition, Thanh Binh Jeune company, a French-based importing business, wants to buy fresh litchi for sale in France.