Vietnam And Egypt Boost Vegetable Exports Amid Tight Controls

On January 27, 2026, two corners of the world—Vietnam’s northern region and Egypt’s bustling agricultural export sector—found themselves united by a common challenge: how to get vegetables from field to foreign table while meeting ever-stricter global standards. From the carrot fields of Hai Phong to the export stations of Jalilah, the story of vegetable exports in 2026 is one of ambition, technical hurdles, and the relentless push for quality.

In Hai Phong, a city known for its fertile soils and agricultural prowess, the afternoon sun saw a gathering of agricultural leaders and experts. The city’s Department of Agriculture and Environment convened a conference at the People’s Committee of Tu Tinh Municipality, focusing on solutions for managing and guiding carrot production zones to meet export requirements. According to Bao Hai Phong, the meeting drew leaders from five municipalities with central carrot-producing areas—Tu Tinh, Tay Tan, An Pho, Chi Linh, and Nam Dong—as well as owners of carrot purchasing, processing, and packaging facilities, and several carrot export companies.

The stakes were high. As the winter carrot harvest approached, officials were determined to tighten management of carrot production zones designated for export. The focus was on meticulous record-keeping, strict pesticide control, and avoiding any active ingredients that might jeopardize export shipments. "We must increase monitoring of soil-borne pests and conduct pesticide residue tests before harvest to ensure shipments meet the requirements of importing markets," a Department of Agriculture and Environment leader stated, as reported by Bao Hai Phong.

Japan and South Korea, two of the main destinations for Hai Phong’s carrots, have adopted the Positive List System (PLS) for pesticide residue management. This system enforces extremely low thresholds for active ingredients that lack their own maximum residue limits. In recent years, several high-risk active ingredients have come under heightened scrutiny. If violations are detected, entire shipments can be flagged, returned, or subjected to 100% inspection in future consignments. Meanwhile, China’s market demands mandatory agricultural area codes, packaging facility codes, complete quarantine documentation, food safety assurances, and traceability for official exports.

To address these formidable requirements, Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment called on local governments and municipalities to ramp up outreach and guidance for farmers on safe production practices. The ministry also urged the maintenance of designated coded production areas and strict management of agricultural inputs. Export companies were encouraged to proactively coordinate with growing zones, control the production process from the outset of the season, and conduct sample testing for residue levels before shipping. The goal: minimize risks and protect the reputation of Hai Phong’s carrots.

The scale of the operation is impressive. In the winter of 2025, Hai Phong cultivated nearly 1,300 hectares of carrots, yielding a projected 75,000 tons. More than 80% of this output is destined for export, primarily to Japan and South Korea—markets that demand not only high technical standards but also rigorous oversight of plant quarantine, pesticide residues, food safety, and product traceability. As one participant in the meeting put it, "It is essential to coordinate with vegetable growing areas and export companies to ensure compliance with international export standards."

Across the continent, in Egypt, a parallel story was unfolding. On the same day, Hesl Islam, head of the Jalilah marketing council, announced an ambitious new marketing strategy for exporting vegetables to Gulf markets. According to Al Alam El Youm, the strategy includes a technical roadmap designed to boost exports and meet the evolving demands of international buyers. The Jalilah council, one of the most influential bodies in vegetable marketing, operates in about 40 countries worldwide and maintains branches and marketing centers in Egypt’s industrial cities.

Jalilah’s export powerhouse is anchored by a state-of-the-art factory and export station in Sadat City’s industrial zone. The company has built a reputation for excellence in exporting agricultural products, carving out a presence in diverse markets across the globe. As the company’s vice chairman, Islam Galila, recently earned a master’s degree with a thesis on the foundations of establishing, managing, and evaluating agricultural export projects, the company’s commitment to research-driven innovation is clear.

The new marketing strategy outlined by Hesl Islam is both comprehensive and forward-looking. It seeks to leverage Jalilah’s technical expertise and global reach to expand vegetable exports, particularly to the Gulf region, where demand for high-quality produce is strong and growing. The strategy’s technical roadmap addresses everything from production standards and quality control to logistics and market access, reflecting the increasingly complex landscape of global agricultural trade.

Egypt’s export sector faces its own set of challenges. As Jalilah and other leading exporters strive to meet the stringent requirements of international markets, they must navigate issues ranging from pesticide regulations to traceability and food safety protocols. The company’s presence in 40 markets is both a testament to its success and a reminder of the constant vigilance required to maintain that position. As Hesl Islam explained, "We are committed to a technical roadmap that ensures our vegetables meet the highest standards required by Gulf markets."

The parallels between Vietnam’s and Egypt’s export stories are striking. Both regions are grappling with the need to adapt to rapidly changing global standards, whether it’s the PLS system in Japan and South Korea or the traceability requirements in China and the Gulf. Both are investing in technical solutions, from residue testing and pest control to advanced logistics and market research. And both are acutely aware that the future of their agricultural exports depends on the ability to deliver quality, safety, and reliability—every single time.

In Vietnam, the carrot export meeting ended with a clear mandate: maintain rigorous control over production and processing, work closely with export companies, and educate farmers on the latest safety and quality standards. In Egypt, Jalilah’s new strategy signaled a renewed commitment to technical excellence and market expansion.

As the world’s appetite for fresh vegetables continues to grow, so too does the pressure on producers and exporters to meet a dizzying array of standards and expectations. From the carrot fields of Hai Phong to the export stations of Sadat City, the story of vegetable exports in 2026 is one of adaptation, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of quality—a journey that is far from over, but one that promises fresh opportunities for those willing to meet the challenge.