The call for deep and substantive Vietnam-China cooperation is evident in PM Chinh’s request that China soon sign a protocol and complete procedures needed for opening its doors to Vietnam’s frozen durians, fresh coconuts, and other agro-aquatic products. Vietnam shipped an estimated US$1.2-1.5 billion worth of durians to China in the first half of 2024. According to the Vinafruit general secretary, China imports some $6.7 billion worth of fresh durians and more than $1 billion of frozen durians, with Thailand being the largest supplier of frozen durians. If China opens its doors to frozen durians from Vietnam, the latter’s durian export turnover could rise by some $300 million, Nguyen predicted. Moreover, there are still concerns over ineffective projects developed by Chinese investors in Vietnam.
