Vietnamese cashew trademark promoted

21/03/2010
VOVNews

A festival was held in the southern province of Binh Phuoc on March 20 to promote Vietnamese cashew products to the wider world.

Tens of thousands of local people and visitors converged on Dong Xoai commune where the Golden Cashew Festival was held.

Giant symbolic cashews were transported by a convoy of flower-decorated vehicles to the main stage while professional and amateur performers put on a spectacular show to welcome the festival.

Thirteen years ago when Binh Phuoc was split from larger Song Be province, cashew trees were grown to re-green bare hills and reduce poverty, but brought in little money. In recent years, the trees have generated high revenue for growers and processors thanks to an increasing global demand.

A large investment has been poured into expanding growing areas and applying advanced technology to increase the quality and quantity of cashew products. Binh Phuoc, together with other provinces, has turned Vietnam into the No1 cashew exporter in the world.

Addressing the event, State President Nguyen Minh Triet recommended that Binh Phuoc apply new farming techniques to production to crossbreed new varieties that can resist insects and turn out a high output. He also called on processors and exporters to cooperate closely together to seek new outlets and increase the added value of cashew products.

The State President expressed his hope that in the near future Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia would create a large centre for cashew growing and processing that can have a big impact on the global cashew market.

At the ceremony, 20 farmers and businesses were awarded the title Golden Cashew in recognition of their contributions to developing the cashew industry.

A representative of the Vietnamese government presented cashew breeds to representatives of the Lao and Cambodian governments, demonstrating their determination to develop the industry in future.

Many workshops are being held during the four-day event to draw up a development strategy for growing the nuts in Vietnam, develop the brand name of Vietnamese cashews and promote trade.

Binh Phuoc is considered the capital of Vietnamese cashews with a growing area reaching nearly 200,000ha, making up 45 percent of the country’s cashew plantation area.