The ‘Son La Longan and Safe Farm Produce Week 2018’ was launched on Friday at the Trade Promotion Centre of Agriculture, No. 489 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay District, Ha Noi.

The event aims to introduce and promote the consumption of safe agricultural products, especially longan, from Son La Province.

It has drawn the participation of 20 businesses and cooperatives from districts and cities in the northern mountainous province, showcasing longan, vegetables and fruits, and processed food products. Among them are many products certified VietGap and GlobalGAP such as longan, mango, avocado, Moc Chau cabbage, green gourd, red dragon fruit, tomatoes, garlic and green peas.

Vu Duc Thuan, deputy director of the provincial Department of Planning and Investment and director of Son La Province’s Investment Promotion Centre, said in order to promote the production of clean and safe agricultural products, the province maintained 15 safe longan production areas, with 5,000 tonnes of products certified by VietGap, of which 1,500 tonnes were granted exportation codes to the United States, Australia, Japan, South Korea and ASEAN members.

In 2017, the province had nine products granted Trademark Registration Certificates. This year, it will continue to build and develop brands for 12 products.

It is estimated that in 2018, Son La will export 1,000 tonnes of mango and 1,500 tonnes of longan, lemon and avocado to major markets such as Australia, Europe and Japan.

The export value of the province’s agricultural products was expected to reach over US$100 million this year, Thuan added.

The event will run until August 9. — VNS