Switzerland proposes Vietnam provide inputs for their coffee industry

As one of the sponsors of the fourth Global Conference on Sustainable Food Systems, Switzerland has always been active in transforming the food system and organizing conferences with the related participants of the One Planet Network. Also joining the conference in Hanoi on April 25, Mr. Christian Hoffer, Director of the Swiss Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG), shared with Vietnam Agriculture News some plans when attending the conference.

Switzerland focuses on three main aspects to promote the transformation of sustainable food systems. The first is to build a win-win cooperation mechanism between consumers and food producers. The second is to create a dialogue mechanism between ministries with the same goals of sustainable development, such as the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Health, etc. The third, which is equally important to the other two, is to create space for technology development. Switzerland has many universities and colleges specializing in food and food research at present.

Food systems transformation is a process that requires many factors to contribute continuously. As a country that focuses and strongly invests in human development, Switzerland has its full focus on increasing the percentage of its population gaining access to nutritious food sources. At the same time, we encourage producers to participate and build sustainable food chains, applying many technical advances to reduce food loss.

I used to come to Vietnam 20 years ago. and i must say that i am surprised at this return. Vietnam has many changes in infrastructure, the scale of the economy, the organization of production, and the processing of agricultural products.

But this beautiful land still feels familiar to me. Switzerland is famous for coffee, and Vietnam is a central coffee-producing region in the world. We hope that Vietnam will be an input for our coffee production, especially green coffee.

Attending this conference, besides wishing to further tighten the cooperation relationship between Vietnam and Switzerland in the global network on food development, I also want to convey a message.

First of all, Switzerland always wants dialogue. This conferences is an opportunity to unite people around the planet, help them understand each other, and work together to find better solutions. The second message is to learn. We can learn from each other, discuss thoroughly and find the optimal solution to promote the outcomes of the UN Food Summit 2021. Along with local and existing knowledge, partners in the entire food system can benefit from this learning mechanism.

Over the years, Vietnam has made many powerful commitments, such as reaching net zero emissions by 2050. We believe your country will continue that determination with concrete actions, especially transforming the food systems toward transparency, responsibility, and sustainability.

Vietnam has great potential in terms of food industries. It is a valuable source of knowledge that Vietnam can share experiences with the participants of this conference, partners in the One Planet Network, as well as countries and organizations around the globe.

That responsible sharing is the most visible proof of Vietnam's contribution to transforming the global food systems.

Switzerland is currently Vietnam's 6th largest European investor, with a total investment of about US$ 2 billion, focusing on the processing, manufacturing, electricity, and agro-processing industries. Vietnam and Switzerland have signed many agreements, such as the Investment Protection Agreement, the Agreement on Avoiding Double Taxation, and the Agreement on Protection of Intellectual Property Rights, creating an open corridor for businesses on both sides to explore investment opportunities.