HCM CITY — Poland is seeking to expand exports of agricultural and food products to Việt Nam, aiming to capitalise on the country’s rapidly growing economy and rising consumer demand, according to Polish officials.

Speaking at a press conference in HCM City on Thursday to introduce the “Tasteful Europe – Tradition and Quality” programme, Piotr Harasimowicz, chief representative officer of the Polish Investment and Trade Agency in HCM City, noted that bilateral trade between the two countries has exceeded five billion euros (US$5.8 billion) in 2024.

Last year, Poland exported more than 405 million euros ($471.1 million) worth of goods to Việt Nam, including frozen salmon fillets, milk, cream, and flour. 

He noted that the full potential of bilateral cooperation remains untapped and that Poland currently runs a trade deficit with Việt Nam.

Poland is looking to diversify its export portfolio and expand agri-food trade while fostering stronger business ties, he said.

Jan Szopinski, deputy general director of the Polish National Support Centre for Agriculture, said that Việt Nam is a dynamic, fast-growing economy with rising consumer demand, and that Poland sees tremendous potential in the market.

He said that Poland aims to increase exports of a wide range of food products, including beef, pork, poultry, dairy and especially apples, while also expressing interest in importing signature Vietnamese products such as coffee, pepper and rice.

He emphasised that Polish food products consistently meet three key criteria: quality, taste, and safety – compliant with stringent EU standards.

Tomasz Parzybut, CEO of the Association of Butchers and Meat Producers of Poland, said Poland is one of the largest food producers and exporters in EU, known for its high standards of food safety and ensuring animal welfare.

He noted that Polish beef is already being exported to demanding markets such as Japan, and the country hopes to expand shipments of beef and pork to Viêt Nam.

At the event, a representative of a Polish apple and juice exporter said his company already exports to markets such as Japan, China, the UK and Italy. He noted that Vietnamese consumers are open to new, high-quality products, and expressed confidence that their fresh apple juice made entirely from fresh apples using modern technology would be well received in Việt Nam.

Trần Ngọc Liêm, director of the Việt Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry – HCM City Branch, said bilateral trade cooperation has seen encouraging results in recent years.

Poland is Việt Nam’s largest export market in Central and Eastern Europe, with key export items including seafood, textiles and garments, footwear, coffee, and cashew nuts. In return, Việt Nam imports a variety of high-quality products from Poland, such as dairy, processed meats, agricultural products and machinery and equipment.

In terms of investment, Poland had 34 projects in Việt Nam as of March 2025 with total registered capital of $474 million, while Việt Nam had four projects in Poland worth $1.84 million, focusing on services and manufacturing.

He added that the Việt Nam–Poland economic partnership holds strong growth potential and continued efforts from businesses and government agencies will be key to unlocking further trade and investment opportunities.

The “Tasteful Europe” programme, held annually, aims to help Polish businesses in agriculture and food and beverage industries in finding new partners and expanding their presence in global markets.

This year’s edition brings together 40 Polish companies showcasing products such as beef, pork, dairy, and fruit juice to Vietnamese consumers, distributors and importers. — BIZHUB/VNS