Promoting Vietnam - Indonesia agriculture and fisheries cooperation

Minister Le Minh Hoan visited the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries on a bilateral basis while accompanying Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to the 43rd ASEAN Summit.

Minister Le Minh Hoan's visit helps to consolidate both countries' policies regarding effective bilateral cooperation mechanisms and the implementation of signed agreements. Subsequently, these activities will elevate the Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Indonesia.

Both countries have agreed to maintain trade growth in a more balanced direction, with a bilateral trade turnover target of 15 billion USD by 2028. Additionally, the two countries will encourage investments from local businesses with a focus on the fields of digital economy, green economy, energy transition, and sustainable development.

Despite the long-standing relations across all fields, the trade exchange between Vietnam and Indonesia is relatively limited. Although the recent trade exchange in the agricultural sector expanded significantly, it only reached 1.8 billion USD in 2022.

On the other hand, Vietnam and Indonesia are two major economies in ASEAN and their population sizes account for half of the total population of ASEAN. Additionally, both countries possess strengths in terms of resources for agricultural and fisheries development. As a result, they can contribute to each other's development, creating a closed value chain that includes research, production, processing, and distribution.

At the meeting with Indonesian Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo, Minister Le Minh Hoan expressed appreciation for the warm and sincere welcome. Minister Le Minh Hoan informed the Indonesian Minister of Vietnam's steady progress in agricultural development and positive contributions to food security and people's livelihoods. These efforts have significantly contributed to the stable socio-economic development in Vietnam.

Most notably, Vietnam's rice production has experienced positive changes within the last few years. The country produces sufficient rice to provide for its population of 100 million people as well as export 7 million tons of rice annually. As a result, Vietnam has contributed to stabilizing food security in the country and the region.

Vietnam aims to become a transparent, responsible, and sustainable food supplier. In response to the rapidly increasing rice prices, Vietnam continues to maintain rice exports at a steady level. Accordingly, it expects to export over 7 million tons of rice in 2023.

At the meeting, Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo highly commended Vietnam's achievements in agriculture. Agricultural cooperation between Vietnam and Indonesia, two long-standing members of ASEAN with advantages in agricultural production and a large population will bring new development opportunities to improve farmers' livelihoods, ensure food security, and promote trade and economic development in both countries.

Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo shared that with a population of 280 million people, Indonesia's agricultural sector needs to ensure a constant domestic supply of 12 essential agricultural products. In response to the rapid developments in climate change, Indonesia and Vietnam must urgently strengthen exchanges and promote comprehensive cooperation in advanced science and technology, market information, and policies. Accordingly, both countries need to facilitate their mutual trade and agricultural investment.

The two Ministers agreed to assign specialized agencies to coordinate in drafting a new Agricultural Cooperation Agreement which meets the requirements of the new global context and promotes substantive and effective agricultural cooperation between the two countries.

Furthermore, Minister Le Minh Hoan suggested both parties expand their cooperation to cover Halal food and utilize each country's potential and strengths. On the other hand, Minister Le Minh Hoan cordially invited Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo, Indonesian businesses, and agencies to attend the first International Rice Festival organized by Vietnam in December 2023.

At the meeting with the Indonesian Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, Minister Le Minh Hoan commended Indonesia's proactivity in trade promotion and comprehensive cooperation in the fisheries sector between the two countries.

The enhancement of exchanges between the two ministries will help resolve outstanding issues and promote cooperation between the two countries. The two ministers have also reached a consensus on the key points of the cooperation agreement, which will be signed in the immediate future.

Regarding marine fishing, Minister Le Minh Hoan expressed appreciation for Indonesia's cooperation in resolving IUU violation cases. Minister Le Minh Hoan emphasized that the Vietnamese Government is determined to implement key tasks and solutions to combat IUU fishing.

Accordingly, the Vietnamese Government has directed relevant ministries, sectors, and local governments to strictly handle IUU fishing violations. These efforts will contribute to Vietnam's sustainable development of the fishing profession; responsible international integration; environmental protection, including aquatic resources and marine biodiversity of the ocean; and fulfillment of international obligations and commitments in the fisheries sector.

Consequently, both Ministers agreed to assign specialized agencies to promptly complete the draft Agreement on establishing a hotline for anti-IUU fishing. Additionally, the Ministers agreed to promote trade and investment cooperation in special industries such as lobster, tuna, and seaweed in the immediate future.

Both countries agreed to strengthen long-term cooperation between local businesses, associations and fishermen. The cooperation will serve as a strong foundation for Vietnam and Indonesia to develop fisheries in a sustainable and self-sufficient manner, contributing to the region's socio-economic stability and sustainable development.