Promoting agricultural cooperation with the Netherlands

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Xuan Cuong met Marjolijn Sonnema, Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the Netherlands on the opportunity to develop agricultural cooperation between the two countries, especially in term of varieties of vegetables, flowers and potatoes.

At the meeting, Minister Nguyen Xuan Cuong assessed the opportunities for cooperation between Vietnam and the Netherlands. Since 2014, the two governments have identified Vietnam – the Netherlands as strategic economic partners; We think this is a very good choice; In particular, from defining the strategy we have focused on and extended food security to nutrition security. These are suitable contents for the potential and advantages of the two countries. Vietnam identifies the Netherlands as a potential country with great agricultural advantages. Although its area is only 4 million km2, similar to the area of the Mekong Delta with the population of 20 million people, the Netherlands has surpassed by technology, governance and investment; and has now become the number 1 powerful country of exporting agricultural products. Many Dutch agricultural products are very well-known all over the world that most Vietnamese people know, such as tulips, dairy products, Dutch potatoes and many others.

During the Regional Conference on Food Security, which took place from 22 to 23 March 2017, the Minister assessed the two countries’ determination of strategic cooperation as food security is a very right topic. The Asean + 6 area accounts for 60% of the world’s population, which is at risk due to climate change, water source security, etc. The Netherlands also supports Vietnam in the transfer of science and technology, particularly in the fields of vegetables, fruits, husbandry and aquaculture; in the development of fruit, vegetable and coffee chain with very good results; and also in term of human resource training. In particular, the Netherlands has helped Vietnam respond to climate change, especially in the Mekong Delta.

At the meeting, regarding the desire to cooperate with the Netherlands, Thai Huong, Chairman of the Board of TH Milk Products Joint Stock Company (TH Milk) said that the Group is investing in high-tech agriculture project in Thai Binh province with an area of 3,000ha. Therefore, she wishes Marjolijn Sonnema and other Dutch business members to introduce partners to cooperate in the field of vegetable seed production for domestic sale and export of potato varieties. “The Group is looking forward to working with Rijk Zwaan Company, the world’s leading vegetable and fruit producer in the Netherlands. In addition, Vietnam imports many varieties of potato every year, so the Group is looking forward to cooperating in producing and processing potatoes to reduce imports,” she added.

On the local side, Nguyen Hong Dien, Chairman of Thai Binh People’s Committee said that Thai Binh is a successful province for agricultural and new rural development and has now identified 5 breakthrough points for agricultural development. These are: focus on replication of high value agriculture models in ecological regions; establish the high-tech agricultural model; attract investors in service of agricultural production; train human resources working in high-tech agriculture; and exploit tourist aspect in rural areas.

With such orientation, Mr. Nguyen Hong Dien pledged to create favorable conditions for investors and businesses to invest in agriculture in Thai Binh province. With the proposals of TH Milk’s leader and Thai Binh province, Marjolijn Sonnema expressed her interest and aspiration to cooperate with Vietnam and promised to appoint the Commercial Counselor of the Netherlands Embassy in Vietnam for this investment promotion conference. Regarding the connection between the two countries, Marjolijn Sonnema said that opportunities would be created for enterprises to meet each other to promote cooperation between the two sides.