You will hopefully forgive the pun but Vietnam vets – veterinary authorities – have given the all-clear for the import of fresh and frozen pork meat from Ireland into the southeast Asian country.

"Vietnam is an important market in southeast Asia, with a growing population, and there are good prospects for Irish meat exports both in the short and long term," Minister for Agriculture and Defence Simon Coveney said in a statement.

The deal comes weeks after news that the Philippines will allow the importation of beef, sheep meat and pig meat from Ireland. Back then Mr Coveney said he hoped it would help open up access to other markets in the region.

The Vietnamese agreement came about after a "concerted technical and diplomatic effort" by Mr Coveney's department in conjunction with the Irish Embassy in Vietnam and the Vietnamese ministry of agriculture and rural development and the National Agro-Forestry Fisheries Quality Assurance Department.

Under the terms of the deal five Irish pig-processing establishments have been accredited to produce pork for export to Vietnam, while another establishment has been approved for cutting.

Veterinary health certificates has also been agreed.

The news comes at a fortuitous time for Irish pork producers who are hurting from the current difficulties with the Russian market after Russia responded to European Union trade embargoes over the Ukraine crisis by halting imports.

Mr Coveney said that the Department of Agriculture would continue to work closely with European partners to try and restore the trade in pig meat to Russia.

“It is important that Irish industry has alternative outlets for its produce, along with the real potential for expansion,” said Mr Coveney.

“In circumstances where there have been difficulties with the Russian market since the start of the year, it is vital that Irish companies have access to as many markets worldwide as possible,” said the Minister.