Vietnam promotes sustainable agricultural and spice trade

Photo caption — Delegates attending the Vietnam - Germany Forum on promoting sustainable trade in agricultural products and spices.

The forum was organized to strengthen trade connections and expand cooperation between Vietnamese pepper, spice and agricultural product exporting enterprises with importers, distributors and partners in Germany and Europe, aiming at the goal of developing a sustainable, transparent and responsible supply chain.

Attending the forum, in addition to business representatives, there were Ms. Hoang Thi Lien, President of VPSA; Ms. Dang Thi Thanh Phuong, Trade Counselor of Vietnam in Germany, Ms. Grosse Gudrun, Head of International Department of the Cologne Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK).

According to VPSA President Hoang Thi Lien, Germany is the "backbone" market of Europe and also of Vietnam. In Europe, Vietnamese agricultural products, including spices, go through two main markets, Germany and the Netherlands, to enter other European markets.

The German market has great advantages for Vietnamese enterprises because of the Vietnam - European Union Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), a new generation FTA.

At the forum, Ms. Hoang Thi Lien introduced an overview of Vietnam's pepper and spice industry, and updated the latest data on the export situation. Specifically, Vietnam's pepper exports in the first 8 months of this year decreased by 9.4% compared to the same period last year, while cinnamon exports decreased by 36.3%, but cinnamon exports increased by 32%. However, in general, the total export value of Vietnam's spices to Europe in the first 8 months of this year decreased compared to last year.

In a subsequent interview with VNA reporters in Germany, Ms. Hoang Thi Lien said the current market is not "rosy" due to the general global decline and macroeconomic policy adjustments in some major countries such as the US and China. However, in the long term, pepper and spices are still very promising industries. In its coordinating role, VPSA is accompanying farmers and exporters to balance the urgent needs of businesses and farmers with the state's support policies, creating a favorable business environment and reducing barriers so that businesses can focus on exports, gradually increasing market share.

According to Ms. Hoang Thi Lien, at Anuga 2025, businesses in the Association all hope to strengthen relationships with old customers and find new potential customers because the fair gathers reputable, high-quality businesses.

The forum also updated Vietnam's efforts in promoting sustainable agricultural production, applying traceability technology and responsible business practices in the pepper and spice value chain to ensure long-term prosperity and enhance the position of the Vietnamese industry in the international market.

Representing IHK Cologne, Ms. Gudrun introduced Cologne to the forum, the 4th largest city in Germany and the center of international trade activities with many of the world's leading exhibitions and fairs, typically the Anuga Food and Beverage Fair held every two years. Ms. Gudrun assessed that the Vietnam - Germany trade relationship has a long tradition and is developing strongly. She said: "Vietnam has been very successful in recent times. Between Vietnam and Europe, there is EVFTA, which helps us deepen bilateral trade relations."

Ms. Gudrun also said that many German companies are very interested in doing business with Vietnam, not only in the consumer goods sector but also in many other sectors, such as auto parts. Many German companies are looking for alternative markets and Vietnam has emerged as a very interesting option. Ms. Gudrun believes that the pepper and spice sector will have very good business opportunities.

The Vietnam - Germany Forum on promoting sustainable agricultural and spice trade at Anuga 2025 is an important bridge in trade cooperation between the two countries, contributing to promoting the image of Vietnam as a reputable, quality and sustainable pepper and spice supplier in the global market.

The VPSA business delegation attending Anuga 2025 included 24 leading Vietnamese enterprises in the fields of pepper, cinnamon, star anise, ginger, turmeric, chili and other agricultural products. At the fair, Vietnamese enterprises introduced products that met international standards such as HACCP, ISO, BRC, Halal, Kosher, Organic (EU/USDA), demonstrating their ability to meet the strict requirements of quality, safety and traceability of the European market.

Anuga 2025 takes place from 4 to 8 October in Cologne with sustainable growth and innovation as its main theme. This year, the fair brings together more than 8,000 exhibitors from 110 countries, showcasing the innovative power and diversity of the global food industry.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/kinh-te/viet-nam-thuc-day-thuong-mai-nong-san-va-gia-vi-ben-vung-20251007204512817.htm