Promoting agricultural cooperation between Vietnam and Yunnan

At the Forum on connecting Vietnam - China agricultural, forestry and fishery trade through Yunnan province on May 31, Mr. Luu Xao Tuyen, Deputy Director of Yunnan's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development welcomes the visit from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam. He hopes that the two parties will continue to strengthen their relations, and start a new journey of agricultural cooperation between Yunnan - Vietnam.

Modern and typical agriculture

Yunnan province features unique geographical features, three-dimensional climate, rich biodiversity resources. The highest elevation above the sea level is 6,740 meters, the lowest altitude above sea level is 76,4 meters. The province is divided into 7 climate belts from south to north. All of the aforementioned advantages have allowed Yunnan province to develop a typical and modern agriculture.

Yunnan province has strongly promoted the development of modern agriculture in the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's keynote speech during his visit to Yunnan. Accordingly, the province was advised to develop modern agriculture that utilizes the local highland strengths.

Yunnan has the largest area and output of fresh cut flowers, natural rubber, coffee, dried tobacco, walnuts, nuts, traditional medicines, and tea. Regarding livestock production, the province has the largest scale of the pig and beef industry in China, as well as the largest number of beef cattle in the country.

“Yunnan's products” has become a term associated with clean, ecological and healthy items. Multiple green and efficient production technologies have been marketed and promoted in Yunnan.

"Green Yunnan's products" have been exported to over 150 large and medium-sized cities across 110 countries and regions. "Dounan flower" has become the leading brand for fresh cut flowers in Asia as well as the world. By 2022, Yunnan's output of fresh flowers has exceeded 17.7 billion branches, which is equivalent to 2 branches per person in the world and more than 12 branches per person in China.

The Chinese medicine industry believes that Yunnan medicinal herbs are essential to many prescriptions. "Enjoying Yunnan tea, tasting Yunnan fruit, drinking Yunnan coffee" has become the new hobby of Chinese young generations.

Open cooperation

According to Mr. Luu, Vietnam and Yunnan are geographically adjacent, and share many similar customs and habits. Both countries have had a long-standing history of agricultural cooperation; and they aim to maintain this development momentum in bilateral cooperation.

"The partnership between Yunnan and Vietnam has helped formed a multi-level and comprehensive model of agricultural exchange and cooperation," emphasized Mr. Luu Xao Tuyen.

Namely, agricultural scientific research institutes in Yunnan province have signed framework agreements on agricultural science and technology cooperation with those in Vietnam. On the other hand, both countries have established a regular cooperation mechanism for agricultural science and technology exchange between Yunnan and the North of Vietnam.

Yunnan's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development established a friendly exchange and cooperation mechanism in February 2022. Accordingly, Yunnan held the first online meeting with the Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development from the four provinces of Lao Cai, Ha Giang, Lai Chau and Dien Bien. This even has further promoted practical cooperation between the two countries.

Additionally, Yunnan and Vietnam have cooperated in various fields such as planting and processing ancient tea, sugarcane, banana, other industries, selecting cassava, rice, maize varieties, and preventing animal diseases.

Both parties are actively promoting agricultural product trade cooperation and agricultural investment. According to Kunming's Department of Customs, the agricultural trade turnover between Vietnam and Yunnan reached at least 6,337 billion yuan in 2022, accounting for 15% of Yunnan's agricultural trade turnover.

“Yunnan's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is ready to continue strengthening cooperation with Vietnam; implement results from the annual meetings between Yunnan province and  Dien Bien, Lao Cai, Ha Giang, Lai Chau; promote the role of agricultural exchange cooperation mechanism among the 5 provinces of Vietnam and Yunnan," said Luu Xao Tuyen.

The three proposals

Mr. Luu made three proposals with the aim of further strengthening =agricultural cooperation between  Vietnam and Yunnan.

Firstly, increase visits and exchanges between local Departments of Agriculture and Rural Developments; organize a second agricultural exchange and cooperation conference between Yunnan and the four northwestern provinces of Vietnam; strengthen agricultural development strategies and find additional fields of cooperation for mutual benefits.

Secondly, strengthen cooperation in agricultural science and technology; promote cooperation in training technical staff for agricultural management, agricultural science and technology marketing; promote improved crop varieties; coordinate cross-border animal and plant disease prevention and control; sharing experience and technology with the other party.

Thirdly, expand agricultural trade and investment cooperation; organize agricultural investment promotion meetings to connect agricultural companies; promote the agricultural investment environment; establish dialogue platform to encourage businesses to engage in agricultural development.

“We would like to invite Vietnamese departments and businesses to Yunnan to survey, exchange and participate in the agricultural fair. We will create an international, facilitative and marketable business environment. We will also provide comprehensive, thoughtful and thorough services," said the Deputy Director of Yunnan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.