The Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources has released the Final report for the review of biosecurity import requirements for fresh dragon fruit from Viet Nam which recommends that the importation of fresh dragon fruit to Australia from all commercial production areas of Viet Nam be permitted, subject to a range of biosecurity conditions.
Australia Ambassador to Vietnam HE Mr Craig Chittick said: “We are very pleased with this significant development. The Australian Government looks forward to continuing to work with Viet Nam in the next steps to make the importation of Vietnamese fresh dragon fruit to Australia possible.”
Before trade can commence, the Australian and Vietnamese Governments need to undertake a few more steps, including the establishment of standard operating procedures for the vapour heat treatment facility specific to dragon fruit and the finalization of import conditions for dragon fruit from Viet Nam.
Australia commenced work on market access for fresh dragon fruit from Viet Nam into Australia in April 2016. Officers from the Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources visited major dragon fruit production areas in Viet Nam in June 2016 to observe production systems and packinghouse operations. The public consultation for the draft report for the review of biosecurity import requirements for fresh dragon fruit from Viet Nam was completed in mid-November 2016.
Australia is also progressing access for other types of Vietnamese fruits. The first consignments of Vietnamese lychees were exported to Australia in May 2015 and the first consignment of Vietnamese mangoes was exported to Australia in September 2016.