Positive outlook for agricultural cooperation between Vietnam and Scotland

On October 4 morning, at MARD, Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien receives and works with Mr. Alister Jack, Secretary of State for Scotland. The visit of the Scottish delegation confirms that the two countries are becoming increasingly closer, especially in the context of Vietnam - the United Kingdom celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations.

In recent years, the Vietnam - UK Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) has been an economic push, promoting the growth of export goods of both countries.

Specifically, goods exports between the two countries since the beginning of 2021 have increased by more than 20%. Currently, the UK is Vietnam’s third-largest trading partner in Europe, and Vietnam’s ninth-largest export market to the world.

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien shared: “Vietnam currently ranks 15th in the world in export turnover of agricultural, forestry and fishery products. Of these, seven items with annual export turnover of over 3 billion USD are rice, vegetables, seafood, cashew nuts, coffee, wood and wooden products. Exporting agriculture, forestry, and fishery products is Vietnam’s only industry that continuously surpasses each and every year.”

The MARD leader commands commercial activities between Vietnam and the United Kingdom. He states that the agricultural institutions of the two countries have always supported each other, which creates favorable conditions to promote the economy. He informs the Scotting delegation about the MARD’s plan regarding agricultural trade.

MARD agents and departments are currently completing procedures to import pork and poultry from the UK to Vietnam. At the same time, MARD hopes that the State of Scotland and the UK will quickly inspect and import Vietnamese chicken meat and chicken breast products in the coming time.

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien also suggests the potential for Vietnam’s coffee industry to approach the Scottish market.

“We have more than 700,000 hectares of coffee cultivation with the highest yield in the world, nearly 4 tons per hectare. With that being said, we hope to introduce this product to the UK Coffee Association and learn about your country’s coffee consumption needs,” the Deputy Minister inquires.

Based on the trade and commercial achievements, the two leaders negotiate the possibility of organizing conferences to connect businesses in the coffee, seafood, livestock and poultry industries.

Receiving MARD’s comments on agricultural cooperation, the Secretary of State for Scotland agrees to explore the Vietnamese coffee brand. Mr. Alister Jack also wishes to introduce Scottish world-famous salmon and beef products.

“I think agricultural trade between Vietnam and the UK is at its all-time high. The two countries’ consistent and extensive exchange of agricultural, forestry and fishery products not only serves the economy but also promotes tourism. Such commercial activities have been diversifying sources for domestic consumption, providing food to many customer segments,” the Scottish leader expresses.

The Secretary wants to learn more about the relevant procedures to export Scottish live seafood to Vietnam. At the same time, he informs that UK agents will soon respond regarding importing Vietnamese poultry products into the UK.

Secretary Alister Jack states that UKVFTA and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) promise great potential for further cooperation. These agreements are premises for future exchanges on institution and policy building, as well as technology transfer towards green transition and sustainable development.

Regarding cooperation within the framework of the Biodiverse Landscapes Fund (signed between the two Ministers of Agriculture in April 2023), Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien pledges to allocate appropriate resources and direct specialized agencies. This will facilitate close coordination between MARD and the UK departments. In the future, the Deputy Minister hopes to establish a Steering Committee to coordinate and implement the Memorandum of Understanding.

The Scottish Secretary appreciates Vietnam’s commitment to achieve Net Zero by 2050. He states: “Agriculture is a really important sector for the two countries. COP26 activities have opened up many opportunities for us to work together and build sustainable agricultural policies. This is necessary to solve global issues.”

The Biodiverse Landscapes Fund aims to help the Mekong Delta region achieve poverty reduction goals, reduce biodiversity loss, and minimize the impacts of climate change. This agreement is expected to provide important resources for biodiversity conservation in the lower Mekong region in particular and Vietnam in general.