Proposing for Denmark's support in reducing food loss and waste

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien emphasized that Vietnam and Denmark maintain a robust, historical relationship. In 2013, the two nations executed a comprehensive cooperation agreement, with Denmark being among the first Nordic countries to establish such an accord with Vietnam.

In 2023, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen endorsed a joint declaration that established a Green Strategic Partnership between their nations, thereby facilitating enhanced and more effective collaboration.

In agriculture, the trade volume between the two nations has not aligned with the expansion of economic and social relations. In 2023, commerce in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries was USD 356.64 million, showing a 27.9% decline. Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien believes that under Trade Counselor Hjortshoj's new term, agricultural trade growth can be accelerated.

During the discussion, MARD's leadership recommended multiple moves to enhance the bilateral relationship and advance agricultural commerce.

The Deputy Minister seeks Danish assistance to lower production and raw material expenses, conduct environmental impact assessments, and improve sustainable resource management in livestock aquaculture and other sectors to bolster agricultural competitiveness.

He is proposing collaboration with Vietnamese government agencies, institutes, and universities to establish projects aimed at reducing emissions in agricultural production.

Furthermore, he advocated for the establishment of a public-private partnership (PPP) channel. It anticipates Denmark's sharing of expertise in mitigating food losses across the production continuum, from farm to fork.

Facilitating cooperation among the Danish Agricultural and Food Council, Danish businesses, and Vietnamese organizations in livestock, aquaculture, and animal feed production with assistance from the Danish Trade Counselor and Ambassador in Hanoi.

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien underscored the advantageous relationship between the two nations, which may further capitalize on their shared agricultural capabilities.

Trade Counselor Hjortshoj recognized Deputy Minister Tien’s insights and underscored Denmark's enduring assistance for Vietnam in agriculture, fisheries, water, environment, energy, and additional sectors. Vietnam's consistent economy has fostered a mature and mutually beneficial bilateral relationship.

MARD continues to be an essential collaborator in executing the Green Strategic Partnership, emphasizing food safety and the reduction of food waste. In 2023, the two nations initiated the Green Strategic Partnership (GSP), signifying elevated collaboration for sustainable development.

The collaboration prioritizes a sustainable transition in energy, environmental conservation, agricultural health, and food systems, with the objective of advancing the net-zero emissions targets of the Paris Agreement. Trade Counselor Hjortshoj says that the agriculture and food sectors necessitate collaborative efforts from both parties to achieve these ambitious goals.

Concerning Deputy Minister Tien’s ideas, Denmark is proactively pursuing the reduction of production costs and the enhancement of agricultural competitiveness, facilitated by new carbon tax rules and technical innovations. Denmark is prepared to disseminate its technology and strategies to Vietnam to facilitate these objectives.

In May, the Danish Minister of Food, Agriculture, and Fisheries visited Vietnam, signifying a pivotal moment as both parties initiated Phase III of the Long-term Sector Cooperation (SSC) program, emphasizing food safety and sustainable, resource-efficient food and feed production.

Denmark greatly appreciates the recent MARD discussions with various nations, including Denmark, about beef exports to Vietnam. The Danish Embassy Trade Representative expressed optimism for smooth collaboration to enhance the export process, confirming close communication between Denmark's veterinary authorities and MARD’s Department of Animal Health.

Denmark’s National Food Council is prepared to share its farm-to-fork food chain methods for PPP partnerships. Counselor Hjortshoj urged both parties to promote commercial partnerships for the implementation of modern technology aimed at minimizing food loss.

Denmark is moving ahead with the world’s first carbon tax on agriculture, with cattle farmers set to be charged almost €100 a year for the greenhouse gas emissions from each of their cows.

After months of fraught negotiations with trade bodies and environmental groups, Denmark’s ruling coalition on Monday night agreed an effective tax rate of DKr120 (€16) per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from livestock, including cows and pigs.