General Secretary and President To Lam witnesses Vietnam - Benin agricultural cooperation signing ceremony

On October 4 in Paris (France), General Secretary and President To Lam observed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation between Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and Benin’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries. This was the only agreement signed at the Francophone Business Forum on Innovation (FrancoTech), which was held on the sidelines of the 19th Francophone Summit.

General Secretary and President To Lam praised the focus of the 2024 FrancoTech Forum on five key topics, underscoring the responsibility of businesses in addressing pressing global issues such as artificial intelligence, energy transition, human capital, food security, and innovation. These are also areas of great interest to the Vietnamese state and its businesses.

“From a once backward economy, Vietnam has risen to be among the top 40 leading economies in the world and one of the top 20 economies by trade turnover. It has also become a key player in 16 Free Trade Agreements. Science, technology, innovation, and creativity will be Vietnam’s path forward as we step into a new era of national development,” General Secretary and President To Lam stated.

He further urged the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam and the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries of Benin to collaborate closely, tapping into the potential in areas such as rice and vegetable cultivation, irrigation, agricultural processing, and aquaculture. He also emphasized the importance of sharing knowledge and technology to foster socio-economic development in both countries and contribute to ensuring global food security.

Vietnam and Benin share great potential and a strong desire to enhance their traditional friendship. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on agricultural cooperation between the two countries marks a significant step forward in their bilateral relations, paving the way for comprehensive cooperation in the future.

According to Mr. Pham Ngoc Mau, Deputy Director of the Department of International Cooperation (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development), Vietnam takes pride in its innovative, easily adaptable, and highly effective agricultural practices, which have transformed the country from one suffering food shortages to a nation with food security.

With years of development experience, Vietnam will be responsible for providing the technology and management expertise for agricultural projects. Meanwhile, the Francophone community will contribute financial resources, ensuring that Benin, a nation of 13 million people, fully benefits from the partnership.

As part of this commitment, the Ministry has pledged to cooperate with Benin in developing and executing rice cultivation initiatives. A working group will be sent to Benin to conduct field surveys, which will form the foundation for a pre-feasibility study to help shape detailed rice cultivation projects.

These projects will include the introduction of hybrid rice varieties, vegetables, and specialized fertilizers for both cashew and rice crops. Additionally, aquaculture will be developed, with support for tilapia and pangasius farming. To ensure stable livelihoods for farmers, both countries will collaborate in providing agricultural machinery for small and medium-sized farmers.

The cooperation will also involve expert and scientific exchanges, technical workshops, and thematic exhibitions. Both sides will share knowledge and experiences regarding agricultural policies, standards, and financial mechanisms.

At the FrancoTech 2024 Forum, General Secretary and President To Lam emphasized the vast potential and close cooperation between Vietnam, France, and the Francophone community. He underscored that this partnership will open new chapters in their cooperative relations, contributing positively to the development of businesses and the growth of each nation.

The signing of the agricultural cooperation agreement between Vietnam and Benin marks a new chapter in their bilateral relations, reflecting the shared commitment to sustainable development and mutual growth.