Enhancing the export competitiveness of Vietnamese small and medium enterprises in spice, fruit, and vegetable sub-sectors
The project “Enhancing the Export Competitiveness of Vietnamese Small and Medium Enterprises in Spice, Fruit, and Vegetable Sub-Sectors” (SFV – Export) is funded by the European Union, implemented by Oxfam in Viet Nam and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The project, implemented in two years from Jan 2022 to Dec 2023, aims to strengthen exports of products to the EU by supporting the internationalization of Vietnamese SMEs and increasing industrywide capacities and reputation of Vietnam’s agricultural products.
Background
There are OPPORTUNITIES for export growth in spice, fruit and vegetable sub-sectors to the EU, thanks to the reduction and/or removal of tariffs under EVFTA.
- Elimination of tariffs on fruits and vegetables, peppers, and other agri-products right after EVFTA came into effect
- Strong export growth from Vietnam to the EU yet accounting for less than 1% of the EU imports of spices, fruit, and vegetables.
There are CHALLENGES for Vietnamese SMEs to penetrate the EU market.
- Rigorous standards in food safety.
- Shortage of knowledge on the EU market and limited opportunities to liaise with European buyers.
- Lack of an efficient mechanism to enhance industrywide abilities and collectively promote products to European buyers.
Objectives
Target group
SMEs in the spice, fruit and vegetable sub-sector:
- Having a clear desire to increase exports to the EU market
- Having a clear desire to apply EU recognized standards for food safety and sustainable practices.
- Having a value chain with domestic suppliers.
Priority is given to SMEs creating social impact, promoting gender equality, and environmental sustainability.
Benefits for the SMEs
- SMEs achieve compliance with EU recognized standards on food safety and sustainability; enhancing business and supply chain management towards the EU market’s requirements and gaining favorable market access.
- SMEs’ suppliers benefit from accountable and win-win business models, thus ensuring compliance with food safety and sustainability standards, quality consistency and product traceability.
- SMEs liaise with European thus improving capacity to serve the EU market.
Oxfam confederation
Oxfam is a global movement of people who are fighting inequality to end poverty and injustice. There are currently 21 member organizations working in 87 countries. We have a vision of a just and sustainable world. A world where people and the planet are at the center of our economy. Where women and girls live free from violence and discrimination. Where the climate crisis is contained. And where governance systems are inclusive and allow for those in power to be held to account.
Oxfam in Vietnam
Oxfam in Vietnam believes that a reduction in poverty, injustice, and inequality will occur through the interaction between active citizens, accountable states and responsible private sector and that it is fundamental to Vietnam’s development.
Oxfam in Vietnam aims to influence the current growth-based development model to shift to a Human Economy Development Model built around nine core concepts, (1) measure what matters with multi-dimensional poverty and inequality, unpaid care work, environment, (2) manage markets, not being managed by them; (3) end extreme concentration of wealth, (4) progressive taxation, (5) universal public services, (6) gender equality and women’s agency, (7) decent jobs with fair and living wages for employees, (8) responsible and inclusive business models, (9) citizens’ participation.