Netherlands shares experience in food safety management
Dutch food experts shared their experience in building and managing food safety system at a conference in Ho Chi Minh City on November 15.
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The country’s industrial sector produces 80% of the equipment for its poultry processing and much of the world’s equipment to produce cheese. The Netherlands is one of the biggest producers of technology tools for food processing.
As one of the five most competitive economies in the world, the Netherlands is also a major distribution centre for Europe. Meanwhile, Vietnam and the European country have shared long-term cooperation, and the Netherlands is Vietnam’s second-biggest European trade partner.
Willem Schoustra, Dutch Trade Councillor in Vietnam, said the Netherlands has become one of the 10 leading investors of Vietnam. The two countries share many similarities, as both are strong exporters of farm produce, he said.
He stated the Netherlands hopes to share specialised knowledge and technology in sustainable agricultural production with Vietnam.
As the honorary country of the Vietnam Foodexpo 2018, the Netherlands has introduced various food products and food processing technologies, giving business opportunities for Vietnam and regional markets.
Notably, the “Holland Pavilion” and several events throughout the exhibition have created chances for the business community to access production and management models for high quality products.
Hardwick Tchale, an expert from the World Bank, said food safety is significant to Vietnam, due to rapid urbanisation and population. He said Vietnam should seek to evaluate food safety and risks, especially in big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Experts at the conference recommended Vietnam consider food safety one of the leading criteria for a product to be sold at home or exported.
At the same time, it is necessary to apply technology in food production and processing, while encouraging producers to abide by food safety regulations, and strengthening communications to provide information to businesses and consumers in food safety.
