AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS AND MARKETING

Evaluation also covers study of forestry and fishery potential under proj# 730017007 -- export expansion. 3 participants are currently studying in the US for MS degrees in Agricultural Marketing. 25 GVN officials participated in the investigation of export opportunities for crops, livestock, and forestry and fishery products in a number of foreign markets. Forestry products appeared to have the greatest potential. Singapore and Japan were shown as profitable markets for about 16 species of fish and shell fish. Immediate opportunities existed for the export of manioc starch, monosodium glutamate, papain, vegetables in brine, fruit puree, castor beans, and coffee. Evaluators note the potential for reducing imports through local production and processing of manioc starch, monosodium glutamate, yeast, infant foods, and dairy product substitutes. Exportation of bananas to Japan was investigated, and production was observed in Taiwan and the Philippines. However, this was not pursued due to security problems in the Vietnam countryside. Concerning domestic marketing, a number of studies were directed at improvement in the handling and storage of rice. Market analyses of sorghum, pork, and edible oils were also undertaken, and seminars and workshops were conducted with private sector and GVN participation. Total exports increased from US $12 million in CY71 to US $24 million in CY72 and US $60 million in CY73. However, the impact of the project was judged smaller than expected, due to restriction of activities by military hostilities. Project terminated on 6/30/74. Recommendations include the following: 1) tech assist should be provided to food processors in developing export and import substitution products; and 2) quality control and grading should receive more attention. Bibliography and discussion papers are included.