The business forum titled “Saline Soils, Shared Solutions: Vietnam and the Netherlands Dialogue on Salinity for Horticulture Development in the Mekong Delta” was attended by representatives from Dutch financial institutions, research organisations and enterprises, as well as Vietnamese experts and scientists from institutes and universities across the Mekong Delta region.

For many years, Vietnam and the Netherlands have maintained close cooperation through the strategic partnership on sustainable agriculture and food security, and the strategic partnership on water management and climate change. Crop production and the Mekong Delta have long been key priorities in bilateral cooperation, with both countries committed to sharing knowledge, technology and solutions for mutual economic and environmental benefits.

The forum provided a platform for public and private sector stakeholders from both countries to gain deeper insights into salinity intrusion in the Mekong Delta, promote cooperation, and facilitate the exchange of innovative solutions and technical expertise. In the long term, it aims to develop a comprehensive approach to mitigating the impact of salinity intrusion on crop production, while opening up new opportunities for a more adaptive and sustainable agricultural system and ecosystem in the region.

At the forum, participants discussed an overview of salinity intrusion in the Mekong Delta, shared Dutch experience in saline agriculture, and exchanged perspectives on solutions and approaches to address salinity-related challenges. Discussions also covered innovation in crop production, climate-adaptive farming practices, and opportunities for deeper cooperation to enhance the resilience of the Mekong Delta’s agricultural sector.

Speaking the event, Dutch Consul General Raissa Anais Marteaux emphasised that the Mekong Delta is a region of critical importance, serving as a cornerstone of Vietnam’s food security and a source of livelihood for millions of farmers. However, she noted that the region is facing growing challenges, including increasing salinity intrusion, climate change impact, prolonged droughts and environmental changes.

Addressing these challenges requires not only smart technological solutions but also long-term, sustainable cooperation and shared innovation, she said.

The Dutch delegation attending the forum included experts across a wide range of fields, from advanced water and soil solutions to digital tools, climate-smart agriculture and applied research. The Netherlands’ agri-food and water industries, globally recognised for their integrated and climate-adaptive approaches, are expected to contribute significantly to joint efforts.

At the same time, the delegation aims to learn from the Mekong Delta’s dynamic agricultural landscape, where smallholder farmers, fast-growing enterprises and pioneering research institutions are collectively shaping the region’s future.

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