Dutch firms seek opportunities
A delegation of 20 firms from the Netherlands have discussed difficulties and solutions for sustainable agricultural development for the Mekong Delta on March 20.
Marjolijn Sonnema, Director-General for Agriculture and Nature at the Ministry of Economic Affairs, said Vietnam’s agriculture sector was facing pressure from salt intrusion, lack of clean water in the dry season because of hydropower reservoirs and beach erosion. According to Sonnema, Vietnam's agriculture sector needs international co-operation to achieve major changes and the implementation must be divided into smaller phases.
Dutch firms in Vietnam also share their experiences in boosting the crop yield for saline soil and drought-stricken areas such as the idea to establish sustainable pepper production chain or research about training demands for agriculture sector.
According to the representative of East West Seed Company, with the current global population growth then by 2050, agricultural production must increase by 70% to meet the food demand. It's necessary to find newer, higher productivity seeds that can be easily raised on dry or saline soil. He suggested paying more care to small households since most ideas needed to relate to basic needs.
The Dutch Embassy in Vietnam also emphasised on the role of private sector while the ODA and the state budget is being limited. In order to achieve sustainable growth, farmers must be guided to use water wisely and government must revise the water supply and drainage system and has plan for aquaculture areas.
Tu Minh Thien, deputy director of the management board of Ho Chi Minh City Agricultural Hi-Tech Park, said, "Their supporting programmes and experiences in technology will be a huge help for the local agriculture."
At the end of the meeting, both sides signed commitments on knowledge transfer, equipment transaction and supporting programmes. Simon van der Burg, the Dutch Consulate General, said this visit was hoped to further boost the trade and investment relationship.
Trading with the Netherlands has seen a stable growth. In 2015, exports to the Netherlands increased by 42%, while imports to Vietnam increased by 37% on the previous year. As of 2015, the Netherlands were Vietnam's second biggest trading partner from Europe.
Marjolijn Sonnema, Director-General for Agriculture and Nature at the Ministry of Economic Affairs, said Vietnam’s agriculture sector was facing pressure from salt intrusion, lack of clean water in the dry season because of hydropower reservoirs and beach erosion. According to Sonnema, Vietnam's agriculture sector needs international co-operation to achieve major changes and the implementation must be divided into smaller phases.
Dutch firms in Vietnam also share their experiences in boosting the crop yield for saline soil and drought-stricken areas such as the idea to establish sustainable pepper production chain or research about training demands for agriculture sector.
According to the representative of East West Seed Company, with the current global population growth then by 2050, agricultural production must increase by 70% to meet the food demand. It's necessary to find newer, higher productivity seeds that can be easily raised on dry or saline soil. He suggested paying more care to small households since most ideas needed to relate to basic needs.
The Dutch Embassy in Vietnam also emphasised on the role of private sector while the ODA and the state budget is being limited. In order to achieve sustainable growth, farmers must be guided to use water wisely and government must revise the water supply and drainage system and has plan for aquaculture areas.
Vietnam and Netherlands signed commitments on knowledge transfer,
equipment transaction and supporting programmes
Tu Minh Thien, deputy director of the management board of Ho Chi Minh City Agricultural Hi-Tech Park, said, "Their supporting programmes and experiences in technology will be a huge help for the local agriculture."
At the end of the meeting, both sides signed commitments on knowledge transfer, equipment transaction and supporting programmes. Simon van der Burg, the Dutch Consulate General, said this visit was hoped to further boost the trade and investment relationship.
Trading with the Netherlands has seen a stable growth. In 2015, exports to the Netherlands increased by 42%, while imports to Vietnam increased by 37% on the previous year. As of 2015, the Netherlands were Vietnam's second biggest trading partner from Europe.
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