Biotrade Project participates in Vietnam Foodexpo 2023

Originating from an initiative launched by UNCTAD in 1996 to support the goals of the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Biotrade Project is a platform for experts and specialized organizations to support businesses in the production and export of natural raw materials and processed agricultural products in compliance with international standards to high-end markets such as the EU, the United States, Japan, among others.

Biotrade was first introduced and implemented in Vietnam in the early 2010s and in Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia in 2020 with the sponsorship from the Swiss Government through the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). The project aims to support businesses in the natural products sector to adopt sustainable production practices, boost exports to international markets in compliance with international standards.

Biotrade serves as a common home for the business community developing sustainable agricultural supply chains, which includes export-oriented businesses from the four Southeast Asian countries of Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia, as well as importers worldwide. Accordingly, the project supports and promotes stakeholders with a strong commitment to sustainable development, emphasizing biodiversity, fair trade, and transparency.

The Biotrade Project is currently undergoing Phase 2 (2020-2024) in Vietnam. This stage of the project is implemented by the non-governmental organization Helvetas Vietnam and the Center for Rural Economy Development (CRED).

During this phase, the project focuses on promoting trade in the natural raw material sector; enhancing management capacity and operation processes for small and medium businesses through sustainable value chain consultation services. Ultimately, the project aims to build efficient supply chains with an emphasis on low-income target groups.

Furthermore, the project aims to provide new livelihoods or additional income for at least 7,600 farmers in Vietnam through the production, collection, and sale of Biotrade products; create new employment opportunities or improve working conditions for 300 workers in Biotrade companies. Additionally, the export revenue from Vietnamese Biotrade products is expected to increase by approximately 6 million USD. At least 19 export-oriented businesses are expected to sell Biotrade products to new customers through intermediary trade promotion services.

Between November 22 and November 25, within the framework of the Vietnam Foodexpo 2023 event - the largest and most prestigious international food industry exhibition in Vietnam, the two collaborators in implementing the Biotrade Project, CRED and Helvetas, will organize an exhibition booth under the theme "Biodiversity: Where Flavors Harmonize."

By organizing an exhibition booth at the Vietnam Foodexpo 2023, Biotrade looks to create opportunities for businesses from all four countries in the project area to access international buyers. Additionally, the exhibition booth will serve as a platform for businesses from Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia to access the Vietnamese food market.

This event is also a platform for industry associations and business supporting organizations, including the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association, the Myanmar Tea Association, the Myanmar Beekeeping Association, the Cambodian Pepper and Spice Federation, and the Lao Business and Development Consulting Company, to introduce the potentials of their respective industries to international buyers and visitors.

A representative from the Biotrade Project stated that 21 small and medium businesses from the four participating countries of Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia, will showcase and introduce over 200 organic products encompassing spice, nuts (cashews, peanuts, sesame seeds), rice, coconut, palmyra palm, tea, coffee, among many others.

Also at the Biotrade exhibiton booth, the event "Market Connection and Food Tasting" scheduled for November 23 is expected to showcase organic products processed into ten types of beverages and a variety of snacks.

Vietnam is a priority country for Switzerland's economic development cooperation, implemented directly by SECO. Accordingly, SECO aims to support Vietnam in achieving sustainable growth in accordance with the global market directions. With this goal in mind, SECO will focus on promoting a friendly economic framework and business environment, thereby facilitating the development of private sector within the region.

According to Mr. Nguyen Nhu Tiep, Director of the Department of Quality, Processing, and Market Development under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Vietnam's spice industry possesses considerable development potential, especially in foreign markets where spice products are extensively consumed. In addition to salt and black pepper, fish sauce is a spice with the potential to extend its market reach, appreciated for its distinct Vietnamese flavor and value.

This article is done in collaboration with the Department of Quality, Processing, and Market Development.