| It is learnt that the three companies are top spice exporters and are seriously considering the proposal."They have asked us to provide technology and manage units in Vietnam. They have offered 50:50 joint venture and we are seriously considering it", said a senior official of an exporting firm. |
| Also, Vietnam government is ready to allow spices imports of any origin for processing in the proposed plants. It has allowed firms fully owned by overseas companies and a leading Indian company is constructing a processing faclility in Vietnam. |
| This is seen as a serious threat to the domestic value-added spice export industry. At present, India is the largest producer of value-added spice products controlling over 90 per cent of the world market. |
| Meanwhile, Vietnam Pepper Association (VPA) is also keen on overseas tie-ups as they are far behind in producing oleoresin, oils and other spice-based value-added products. But VPA is the major producer of a number of spices including black and white pepper. The association is also working on a common brand name for pepper for a more agressive global marketing. |
| According to VPA President Do Ha Nam the association would collaborate with the authorities to build a common trademark for Vietnamese pepper. |
| Chu Se,the largest pepper growing area of Vietnam in central highlands Gia Lai province, created the first pepper trademark 'Chu Se' for the region. |
| Other areas in southern provinces of Ba Ria-Vung Tau and Binh Phuoc and on Phu Quoc island of southern Kien Giang province are also working on their own trademarks. Vietnam pepper is exported to 73 countries with largest volumes sold to the US, EU and the Middle East. |
| Last year, the country exported 116,000 tonne pepper, earning over $190 million. |
| Vietnam is now on a war foot to market their spices and to become one of the major global players in value added spice products. |
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