HO CHI MINH CITY -- The China Business Association in Ho Chi Minh City has expressed its interest in serving a bridge for Chinese firms to import farm produce in bulk from the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho, its President Miao Ren Lai told municipal officials on Wednesday.

China consumes a major volume of farm produce from Vietnam and the Mekong Delta in particular, especially fruits. However, most transactions are made cross-border putting Vietnamese farmers at risk, including price loss and contract violations, Vietnam News Agency reported.

For the Chinese side, imported farm produce through cross-border channels has failed to meet origin certifications, leading to hesitant consumers.

To address the problem, Miao urged municipal authorities to facilitate Chinese investment in Can Tho, making it easier for the two sides to sign high-value trade contracts via formal channels.

Chairman of the municipal People's Committee Le Hung Dung said there are only three Chinese businesses operating in Can Tho. Besides farm produce, he proposed cooperation in garment and transport infrastructure.

Can Tho is building three hi-tech agriculture complexes in Co Do and Thoi Lai districts at a total cost of $44.1 million, Dung said.