Vietnam's flower export industry has reached a significant milestone, surpassing 100 million USD in turnover. Key products driving this growth include orchids, roses, and chrysanthemums, which have become increasingly popular both domestically and internationally. This was highlighted by Hoang Trung, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, during the "Festival of Flowers and Ornamental Plants VNUA 2025" held on May 10, 2025.
According to Hoang Trung, each hectare of orchid cultivation can yield impressive returns, generating around 1 billion VND for gardeners. The festival, co-organized by the Vietnam National University of Agriculture and the Vietnam Ornamental Plant Association, showcased the potential of this sector.
The global cut flower industry is valued at approximately 60 billion USD. In 2024 alone, worldwide exports of cut flowers reached 3.45 billion USD, reflecting an annual growth rate of 8%. Nguyen Thi Lan, Director of the Vietnam National Academy of Agriculture, emphasized that the adoption of high technology and digital transformation is crucial for enhancing the competitiveness of the flower industry.
Looking ahead, the project aimed at developing the flower and ornamental plant sector by 2030 sets an ambitious export target of 180-200 million USD. However, challenges remain, including issues related to seed technology, low application of scientific techniques, small-scale production, and weak value chain connections.
To address these challenges and transform the flower and ornamental plant industry into a sustainable economic sector, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has proposed five key solution groups. First, it aims to refine policies to officially recognize flower and ornamental plants as a legitimate economic sector, including the development of incentives related to credit, land, and taxation.
Second, the ministry plans to reorganize production, establishing specialized cultivation areas in regions with comparative advantages. This includes creating an ecosystem for the flower industry that emphasizes traceability and sustainability standards.
Third, the industry must embrace high technology, such as greenhouses, drip irrigation, tissue culture, and artificial intelligence (AI), while also establishing modern preservation centers.
Fourth, there is a need to boost exports, build a national brand, and develop a network of flower trading platforms that connect domestic producers with international markets.
Finally, the ministry emphasizes the importance of vocational training for farmers and artisans, along with the establishment of specialized training programs in educational institutions.
In a related economic development, the Customs Department of Region VI reported a remarkable increase in tax revenue from import and export activities in the first four months of 2025. The department collected 4,065.8 billion VND in import and export taxes, marking a 53% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
In April 2025 alone, the tax revenue from import and export goods reached nearly 1,371 billion VND. This surge in revenue is attributed to robust trade activities in the region, particularly in Lang Son province, where tax revenue from imports and exports soared to 3,115.9 billion VND, a staggering 138% increase year-on-year.
The total import and export turnover of all types of goods through Lang Son and Cao Bang in April 2025 exceeded 7.5 billion USD. Cumulatively, the total import and export turnover for the first four months of 2025 reached over 24.8 billion USD. The customs department noted that the total turnover of goods processed at customs in Lang Son and Cao Bang was nearly 1.9 billion USD, reflecting a 3.3% increase from the previous year.
To further enhance import and export activities, the Customs Department of Region VI has outlined plans to continue effective monitoring and management of goods, as well as improving the processing of customs transactions. This includes enhancing anti-smuggling efforts, verifying the origin of goods, and protecting intellectual property rights in customs operations.
Furthermore, the department is committed to facilitating trade by addressing obstacles and enhancing the capacity for customs clearance in Lang Son and Cao Bang. This includes increasing administrative discipline and improving the skills and awareness of customs officials in executing their duties.
As part of its strategy, the Customs Department has pledged to assign staff to promptly resolve any emerging issues, ensuring smooth trade transactions and preventing bottlenecks at border checkpoints.
With the merger of the Customs Departments of Lang Son and Cao Bang, the Customs Department of Region VI now oversees 20 border gates in these provinces, with its headquarters located in Lang Son city. This consolidation aims to streamline operations and improve efficiency in customs processes.
The developments in Vietnam's flower export industry and the impressive growth in customs tax revenues reflect a broader trend of economic resilience and growth in the country. As the government continues to implement strategic measures to enhance competitiveness in various sectors, the future appears promising for both the agricultural and trade industries in Vietnam.
