Lam Dong to become a 'supermarket' of green, clean agricultural products

Green economy as an inevitable trend

Recently, in Da Lat City, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, in collaboration with the People's Committee of Lam Dong Province, organized the national scientific conference "Green Economy and Sustainable Development." The event attracted numerous experts, scientists, representatives from research institutes, universities, colleges, and state management agencies within Lam Dong Province.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Minh Tam, Vice President of Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, stated that green growth is a crucial component of sustainable development, ensuring rapid, efficient, and sustainable economic growth while significantly contributing to the implementation of the National Strategy on Climate Change. It focuses on three strategic tasks: reducing greenhouse gas emission intensity and promoting the use of clean and renewable energy; greening production and economic development; and greening lifestyles and promoting sustainable consumption.

In the context of globalization and the robust development of science and technology, the global economy is witnessing a shift from the traditional growth model- based on resource exploitation and fossil fuel consumption- to a green growth model, circular economy, and sustainable development. Vietnam is also part of this trend.

"Participants at the conference will analyze and clarify issues related to high-tech agriculture associated with rural tourism; the application of technology, digital transformation, and AI in green economic development; waste treatment to create organic inputs for sustainable agriculture; Net Zero...

Through this, we aim to better understand the advantages, challenges, bottlenecks, and propose solutions to strengthen the connection between research and development and the science and technology market, thereby enhancing the efficiency of technology transfer and bridging the gap between research and practical production," said Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Minh Tam.

According to Mr. Dinh Van Tuan, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Lam Dong Province, developing a green economy is not only a development goal but also a method to transition to a new growth model, opening up significant opportunities for innovation, enhancing productivity, quality, competitiveness, and integration capabilities - not only for Lam Dong and the Central Highlands but for Vietnam as a whole.

"With natural advantages in land, climate, soil, and social strengths, especially a plentiful, experienced, and highly skilled workforce, the province is well-positioned to develop agriculture, tourism, and various service sectors," Mr. Dinh Van Tuan stated.

Converging favorable conditions

In recent years, Lam Dong has established numerous specialized cultivation areas with various plant and animal varieties selected, tested, and introduced. Additionally, it is a potential market for raw materials serving agricultural product and food processing; leading in high-tech application area and becoming a "bright spot" in high-tech agricultural production in the country, with many valuable agricultural product brands certified domestically and internationally.

Professor Dr. Mai Trong Nhuan, former Director of Vietnam National University Hanoi, commented that Lam Dong's green economy is the crystallization of the advantages of natural conditions, natural resources, culture, and history, leveraging these strengths to affirm Lam Dong's position in high-tech agriculture and tourism. Lam Dong will be a supermarket of green, clean agricultural products for the entire country and a beautiful destination, a "health charging station" for tourists.

"Lam Dong is known as a leading province in high-tech agriculture with advantages in climate conditions, natural landscapes, and rich cultural values, creating favorable conditions for becoming a resort destination for both domestic and international tourists. Resolution 57 serves as a premise for breakthroughs in science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation, and breakthroughs in mechanisms for developing high-tech agriculture and tourism in the province," said Professor Dr. Mai Trong Nhuan.

Meanwhile, Mr. Dinh Van Tuan stated that in the current period, Lam Dong identifies the green economy, digital economy, and circular economy as key pillars, associated with transforming the growth model, protecting ecosystems, improving quality of life, and building long-term competitive advantages. These are important strategic orientations and opportunities to make breakthroughs, transform, effectively utilize potentials and advantages, and promote sustainable development.

The new Lam Dong Province (formed by merging the three provinces of Lam Dong, Dak Nong, and Binh Thuan) as proposed will be expanded, opening up significant development potential (with forests, seas, border gates, dry ports, and seaports; becoming the capital of certain industrial crops, fruit trees, and the bauxite-aluminum industry as well as tourism services).

"This is a golden opportunity to form a new growth pole, with sufficient scale, strong motivation, and broad influence, creating a continuous and sustainable value chain - connecting forests with the sea, highlands with the coast, agriculture with industry and services. From there, forming a green, harmonious, inclusive, and sustainable growth model, thereby contributing to leading the trend of green economy and sustainable development for the Central - Central Highlands region and the entire country," Mr. Dinh Van Tuan assessed.