Vietnam produce growers seek more exports

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HANOI, Vietnam, March 1 (UPI) -- Vietnam's vegetable and fruit industry trade group says growers expect to earn about $1 billion from exports this year, up 30 percent from 2012.

The group said growing areas in the country would be increased and vegetable and fruit growing would replace inefficient rice production in the Cuu Long Delta, Red River Delta and the Central Highlands region, Vietnam News reported.

The trade organization said it also plans to establish wholesale and marketing networks and a a farm produce trading floor.

Vietnam ranks among the top five vegetable and fruit exporters in the world.

A trade group spokesman said achieving the target for this year would not be difficult because Thailand, once Vietnam's major competitor, is now one of top 10 importers of Vietnamese vegetables. He said Thai farmers are increasingly concentrating on orchids, which are more profitable.

Vietnam produce growers also plan to increase their focus on China, another major importer.

The United States and Japan also big markets for Vietnam's dragon fruit, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, onions and ginger, the report said.