Proposing that the Netherlands provide technical solutions to facilitate Vietnam's rapid adaptation to EUDR

The Ambassador of the Netherlands Kees van Baar stated that the Netherlands is obligated to adhere to common regulations, including the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), as an EU member.

Ambassador van Baar related a recent technical conference that took place between the Dutch Embassy and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Provinces, municipalities, coffee roasters, and exporters were in attendance. The meeting concentrated on the necessary conditions for the export of Vietnamese coffee to the Netherlands. He emphasized that this collaboration is a prime example of the two parties collaborating effectively to address obstacles and adjust to new European regulations.

The EU is dedicated to assisting Vietnam in the implementation of EUDR through the "Sustainable Agriculture for Forest Ecosystems" project (SAFE), according to the Dutch Ambassador. He expressed optimism that Vietnam would promptly sanction the project in order to expedite the implementation of EUDR.

The Ambassador disclosed that the Director-General of Sustainable Development from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs is slated to visit Vietnam from October 16-22, 2024, to participate in the Green Economy/GEFE 2024 Conference. The Dutch delegation will engage with Vietnamese businesses and individuals who are receiving financial assistance and loans in his visit.

He observed that this event is significant in light of the new Dutch government's policy to reduce 30% of the international cooperation budget. The Sustainable Development Department is responsible for 80-90% of the financing for Vietnam's ongoing initiatives.

Furthermore, the Dutch Ambassador stated that a delegation of Dutch government representatives and enterprises would visit Vietnam in November 2024 to foster collaboration in the fisheries sector.

In July 2024, the Netherlands dispatched two experts to collaborate with the Plant Protection Department and associated agencies to create an online phytosanitary certification system and biological control agents (BCAs). The Plant Protection Department has identified that Vietnam must implement specific functionalities and enhancements to guarantee compatibility with the international electronic plant certification system. To enhance the national single window system, Vietnam's General Department of Customs must provide financial support and a commitment.

The Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Department Pham Ngoc Mau stated that the Minister established a working group to address the EUDR after receiving notification from Europe.

The working group was responsible for overseeing specific industries, including timber, rubber, and coffee. In order to disseminate EUDR regulations, these working groups have developed action plans and conducted numerous meetings with businesses.

Deputy Minister Hoang Trung stated that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development would collaborate with the Netherlands to expedite the issuance of export-import certificates for agricultural products between the two countries, in response to the topics raised by the Netherlands.

This is a critical solution for the crop sector, particularly in the context of BCAs, as it pertains to the management of pests and diseases.

The Ministry has instructed the Plant Protection Department and pertinent entities to finalize the procedures for the import and effective use of BCAs.

Deputy Minister Hoang Trung recognized the significance of electronic phytosanitary certification, which is in accordance with the current digital transformation trend, reduces costs, and facilitates import-export businesses. The Ministry tasked the Plant Protection Department with collaborating closely with Dutch experts and the Vietnamese General Department of Customs to expedite the completion and implementation of electronic certification solutions.

Deputy Minister Hoang Trung acknowledged that the Ministry and local authorities had been exerting themselves to implement EUDR compliance solutions. Nevertheless, Vietnam anticipates that the Netherlands will continue in offering technical solutions to assist sectors such as rubber and coffee in complying with these new export regulations.

Currently, the Netherlands is Vietnam's top trading partner in Europe and the largest EU investor in Vietnam, with over 400 projects and a total capital exceeding USD 11 billion, accounting for nearly 50% of the EU's total investment in Vietnam. These include projects from major corporations across various sectors, such as retail and agriculture, like Unilever, Heineken, De Heus, Dutch Lady, Lenger Seafood, Nedspice, Da Lat Hasfarm, and Rijk Zwaan.

In recent years, the trade value of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products between Vietnam and the Netherlands has consistently remained high, averaging around USD 1 billion, which accounts for nearly 10% of the total import-export value between the two countries. Compared to the EU as a whole, agricultural products represent nearly 2% of the total bilateral trade volume. This is an impressive figure for bilateral agricultural trade, especially given the population size and level of cooperation with other countries.