Comprehensive, multi-sectoral cooperation between Vietnam and the Netherlands

Cooperation in high-tech agriculture development and market opening

On June 10, the delegation from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, led by Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien, began an official trip to the Netherlands to strengthen strategic partnerships, promote technology transfer, and seek sustainable development opportunities in agriculture between the two countries.

During the trip, the delegation held talks with Jean Rummeni, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature of the Netherlands. On this occasion, both sides had in-depth exchanges on cooperation directions in high-tech agriculture, supply chain management, and sustainable development.

At the Vietnam-Netherlands Agriculture Cooperation, Investment Attraction, and Agricultural Trade Forum, the delegation actively connected with Dutch businesses, associations, and investors, aiming to expand trade opportunities and access new technologies.

Participating in the GreenTech Amsterdam 2025 Exhibition - the leading event on agricultural technology, the MAE delegation met with many partners to explore advanced solutions. At the exhibition, Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien held discussions with Abdulaziz Almalik, Deputy Minister of Research, Development and Innovation of Saudi Arabia.

The delegation concluded its series of activities with a visit and courtesy call to Ambassador Ngo Huong Nam, along with a friendly meeting with diplomatic staff and the Vietnamese community in the Netherlands.

“This trip not only promotes international cooperation in agriculture but also affirms Vietnam’s active role on the global agricultural map. At the same time, it provides an opportunity for all parties to exchange experiences, expand connections, and aim for solid progress in sustainable agricultural development,” Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien remarked.

Promoting joint research on precision agriculture and by-product reuse

According to Deputy Minister Tien, Vietnam and the Netherlands have long maintained a Strategic Partnership on climate change adaptation and water management, as well as a Strategic Partnership on sustainable agriculture and food security. The Netherlands is always among the world’s leading countries in agricultural technology and sustainable food production, offering innovative solutions that increase productivity and minimize environmental impacts. Meanwhile, Vietnam, with its abundant agricultural potential, can leverage these technologies to enhance value and move towards sustainable exports.

In 2024, the two countries celebrated the 5th anniversary of implementing the Comprehensive Partnership framework (2019–2024), the 10th anniversary of establishing the Strategic Partnership on sustainable agriculture and food security (2014–2024), and 2025 marks the 15th anniversary of forming the Strategic Partnership on climate change adaptation and water resource management (2010–2025).

Building on this foundation, Vietnam proposes a cooperation strategy between the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and the Netherlands in the agriculture-environment sector for the 2025–2035 period. Within this framework, both sides will promote joint research projects on precision agriculture, and the development of climate-resilient crop varieties and livestock, with active participation from research institutes, universities, and enterprises from both countries.

Regarding the development of circular agriculture and sustainable value chains, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment hopes the Netherlands will cooperate in projects on the reuse of agricultural by-products and bioenergy. Establishing stable value chains from farm to table will help reduce post-harvest losses, optimize resource use, and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

DHN projects: A symbol of Vietnam – Netherlands cooperation

Mr. Vu Manh Hung, Chairman of Hung Nhon Group, had the honor of accompanying Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien on this working trip. Mr. Hung shared: “Cooperation with the Netherlands not only enables Vietnam’s agriculture sector to access world-leading modern technologies but also opens up sustainable development opportunities through building efficient value chains. This is an important foundation to improve production quality, enhance competitiveness, and contribute to the overall development of the industry.”

A prominent example of this effective cooperation is the DHN project series jointly implemented by Hung Nhon Group and De Heus (Netherlands). The DHN projects, such as DHN Gia Lai, DHN Dak Lak, DHN Lam Dong, and DHN Tay Ninh, are high-tech livestock farming projects designed to meet Global G.A.P and ISO standards.

The livestock facilities in these farming areas are equipped with modern equipment from leading poultry farming corporations. The projects integrate advanced technology across all stages - from farm management and disease control to production process optimization, while applying green technologies. This approach aims to minimize environmental impact, conserve resources, and ensure animal welfare, thereby creating a sustainable farming ecosystem. These projects align with the green economy model and the government’s Net Zero goal by 2050.

The working trip of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment delegation not only strengthened the cooperative relationship between Vietnam and the Netherlands but also opened up new opportunities for Vietnam to access advanced technology solutions, enhance agricultural product value, and promote sustainable development. At the same time, the trip affirmed Vietnam’s active role on the global agricultural map, aiming for green and sustainable development in the future.

With the achievements gained from the strategic partnership, Vietnam expects to continue receiving support from the Netherlands in areas such as livestock, crop production, and water management. These efforts not only elevate Vietnam’s agricultural standing but also contribute to environmental protection, food security, and sustainable socio-economic development.