Rome (VNA) – Vietnamese agricultural products have been introduced at the 10th Chili Pepper Festival, one of themost awaited culinary fests in a year that is taking place in Italian central city of Rieti from September 1-5.

The event drew about150,000 Italian and foreign visitors, with more than 90 booths introducing 450varieties of chili peppers from all over the world.

Addressing the opening of the event, Vietnamese Ambassadorto Italy Nguyen Thi Bich Hue said that with tropical weather and diverseecosystems, Vietnam is rich in spices, including many very special and popularflavours such as cinnamon, anise, pepper, cardamom, cashew and chili.

She said that Vietnam always considers farm produce as oneof priorities in export activities. She noted that thank to the EU-Vietnam FreeTrade Agreement (EVFTA) which became effective from August 2020, the import taxrate for agricultural products has been cut to zero percent from 10 percent inthe past.

Vietnam is one of the leading exporters of a number ofspices like cashew and peppercorn, which account for 80 percent and 90 percent ofthe world export volume, respectively, she noted, adding that Vietnameseproducts are becoming better in quality thanks to improved technology in allstages from production to harvesting, processing and packaging.

The ambassador held that the demand for spices is rising inthe world, making them not only export products but also means of spreadingcultural and traditional values.

The Vietnamese booth at the event introduced to visitorsVietnamese chili and chili products and many other products such as peppercorn,tea and coffee.

This is the third time that Vietnam has joined the festival,which has helped form partnership among 20 embassies of countries owning thisspecial spice./.