Advancing collaboration to bolster the competitiveness of tropical fruits from Vietnam

The cooperation agreement between the National Agricultural Extension Center (NAEC) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) was signed on June 18 in Hanoi.

UNIDO is working with the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) to carry out the project "Enhancing the Compliance Capacity of Standards and Quality of the Tropical Fruit Value Chain in Vietnam" (GQSP Vietnam), as stated by the NAEC. The objective of the project is to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of Vietnam's tropical fruit exports by implementing innovative strategies, diversifying product offerings, improving quality, and developing the capability to satisfy the current market's requirements.

GQSP Vietnam is a component of the Global Quality and Standards Program, which is executed by UNIDO and financially supported by the Swiss government through the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). This methodical strategy seeks to improve the ability of small and medium-sized businesses to meet standards, boost quality, and make it easier for them to enter the market.

According to Mr. Nima Bahramalian, the Director of GQSP Vietnam, the first phase of the project commenced in March 2020 and concluded in June 2023. The duration of Phase 2 will exceed three years, commencing in October 2023.

In order to accomplish the established objectives, the project focuses on three specific outcomes: bolstering the technical capacity and long-term viability of quality infrastructure systems, enhancing conformity assessment services pertaining to the export of tropical fruits, and strengthening the capacity of the tropical fruit export value chain to meet market demands and compete in targeted markets by adhering to technical regulations, quality standards, adapting to changes, embracing innovation and new technologies. Additionally, the project aims to foster a culture of quality through favorable policies, market innovations, and organizational structures that facilitate effective export development.

Mr. Le Quoc Thanh, Director of the NAEC, announced that after conducting meetings, talks, and exchanges with the GQSP Vietnam project, both parties have agreed on the specific details of the collaboration program.

Both parties have a specific goal of integrating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and advancements in the production and export of specific fruits (durian, mango, pomelo, passion fruit) into the NAEC program. This integration will be implemented across various regions to improve the skills and abilities of community agricultural extension officers.

The GQSP Vietnam project aims to assist specialists in creating standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the growth, harvesting, and production of tropical fruits like as durian, mango, pomelo, and passion fruit. These SOPs will align with agricultural extension efforts.

In addition, the project will aid specialists in developing training programs and techniques for standard operating procedures (SOPs) pertaining to the cultivation, harvesting, and production of tropical fruits such as durian, mango, pomelo, and passion fruit. Additionally, it will facilitate digital transformation by creating instructional resources in video and document forms for agricultural extension activities in the tropical fruit value chain. The project will facilitate the organization of several Training of Trainers (ToT) courses utilizing the produced materials. Additionally, it will facilitate various communication endeavors such as lectures and conversations focused on the techniques involved in creating and utilizing the materials.

The NAEC will designate representatives to serve as focal points for implementing the cooperative initiatives between the two parties. The individuals will engage in the creation of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) materials for the specified fruits, as well as the design of training programs and techniques (for durian, mango, pomelo, and passion fruit) that are appropriate for agricultural extension activities.

The NAEC will arrange Training of Trainers (ToT) sessions and expand the agricultural extension network, with a particular focus on community-based agricultural extension, by utilizing the accumulated materials. The Center will additionally coordinate communication events to disseminate methods and approaches. In addition, they will distribute and share Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), training materials, and papers to regions around the country that have significant fruit-growing regions. The training on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and technological innovation, as well as value addition, will be expanded through agricultural extension programs and community-based agricultural extension networks.