The consultant economist on coconut industry services, Vinay Chand, paid a working visit to Binh Dinh from September 20-22, aiming to seek the information about the province’s coconut industry development programme under the NZAID-funded sustainable rural livelihood project.
In a meeting at the province’s investment promotion center on September 21, he announced a coconut processing project in Binh Dinh.
The project worth an estimated initial cost of US$15 million will be implemented in districts of Hoai Nhon, Phu Cat, and Phu My, benefiting 3,000-4,000 local farmers, particularly rural women.
Binh Dinh has the second largest coconut-growing area in Vietnam with nearly 10,898 ha of coconut palms. Districts of Hoai Nhon, Hoai An, Phu Cat, and Phu My see the most area for coconut growing.
The coconut could be used to make various products, such as coconut oil, soft drinks of all kinds, coconut matting, and other items for daily use.
There are now two small-scale coconut manufacturers in Quy Nhon city and Hoai Nhon district. Their main products include coconut oil and coconut-fiber threads. Also, Hoai Nhon sees a coconut matting village.
The project is expected to increase the value of coconut-made products and enhance the locals’ living standard as well as popularize the province’s palm trees.
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