Unlocking the Australian Market for Vietnamese Pomelos through UNIDO Support

Vietnamese pomelos have officially approved for export to the Australian market — a major milestone that highlights the growing international recognition of Viet Nam’s agricultural products. This success was made possible through close collaboration between Vietnamese authorities, Australian counterparts, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) under the Global Quality and Standards Programme (GQSP) Viet Nam, funded by Switzerland through the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).

Through the GQSP programme, UNIDO helped develop clear export guidelines for pomelo growers and exporters, conducted hands-on training, and provided technical support to help enterprises meet Australia’s strict import standards. These efforts have strengthened Viet Nam’s ability to ensure consistent product quality across the entire supply chain — from farms to packaging and shipment.

Australia is known for having some of the world’s toughest rules on quarantine, food safety, and product traceability. To gain access, Vietnamese pomelos underwent a detailed assessment process that began in 2023. This included field inspections, pest checks, and laboratory testing by both Vietnamese and Australian experts.

This achievement marks the culmination of more than two years of technical assessments, negotiations, and coordinated efforts by government agencies, experts, and businesses, with UNIDO’s guidance playing a key role in ensuring compliance with international standards. The initiative builds on previous successes — including the opening of the U.S. market for Vietnamese pomelos in 2022, which was also supported by UNIDO. By helping exporters meet international quality and safety standards, UNIDO contributes to strengthening Viet Nam’s capacity to compete in global markets and expand trade opportunities. The official export approval not only enhances the reputation of Vietnamese fruit abroad but also creates opportunities for rural producers and enterprises to benefit from higher-value markets.

Viet Nam now exports pomelos to 14 countries and territories, including the United States, the European Union, the Republic of Korea, and New Zealand. Over the past decade, pomelo cultivation in Viet Nam has doubled to more than 100,000 hectares, producing nearly one million tonnes annually. Exports reached about USD 60 million in 2024, with strong potential for further growth thanks to competitive production and year-round harvests.

With continued international collaboration and UNIDO’s technical guidance, Vietnamese farmers and exporters are better equipped than ever to bring their high-quality fruit to global markets — starting with Australia’s store shelves.

For more information, please contact:

Mr. Nima Bahramalian

Project Manager

Email: N.Bahramalian [at] unido.org

Ms. Hoang Mai Van Anh

National Project Coordinator

Email: V.Hoang-mai [at] unido.org