Vietnam, EU work to augment agricultural cooperation

VOV.VN - Ambassador Nguyen Van Thao, permanent representative of Vietnam to the EU, and Janusz Wojciechowsk, EU Commissioner for Agriculture, examined ways to boost agricultural co-operation during a recent meeting between the pair.

During the meeting, the Vietnamese diplomat highlighted agricultural co-operation as one of main the pillars in bilateral ties, especially amid the world dealing with the growing challenge of food security.

Vietnam and the EU boast huge potential for closer co-operation in this area as the latter is striving to diversify supply sources and guarantee food security, while the former boasts agricultural strength and considerable advantages generated by the bilateral free trade agreement (EVFTA), he said.

The Ambassador called on the EU to increase the sharing of information and experience, help the country to build policies and models for green, modern, and efficient agriculture, along with enhancing its capacity in agriculture production. This can be done through assistance in developing infrastructure, human resources, technology transfer, and investing greater amounts in hi-tech and smart farming, as well as agricultural processing for export in the country.
He also suggested that the EU support the nation in adapting to the impact of climate change, mitigating its effects on agriculture, and realising commitments on emissions reduction and environmental protection, especially those made at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) last year.

Wojciechowski responded by stating that Vietnam is the first developing country to sign a new-generation FTA with the bloc, a move which clearly demonstrates the EU side’s greater appreciation of the nation’s potential.

The EU widely regards the country as an important partner in agriculture with great potential to expand bilateral collaboration, he said, adding that he will lead an agricultural business delegation to visit the nation to boost agricultural links in terms of trading farm produce, as well as many other fields.

Voicing his support for Thao’s co-operation proposals, the commissioner suggested the two sides maintain close co-ordination to further enhance trade in agricultural products.

The EU also remains ready to help the country respond to the impact of climate change on agriculture, curb emissions, and protect the environment, all of which are issues which require strong global co-operation, Wojciechowski added.

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