The Netherlands' solution to sustainably develop the Mekong Delta

In 2017, the Prime Minister issued Resolution 120 on sustainable development of the Mekong Delta adapting to climate change. By 2022, the Prime Minister will continue to approve the Mekong Delta Regional Plan for the period 2021-2030 and vision to 2050.

In order to realize the advantages and potential of the "Land of Nine Dragons", international support is needed, including those from the Netherlands.

18 memorandum of understanding and cooperation agreements were announced by Vietnamese and Netherlands businesses and organizations within the framework of the Mekong Delta Business Forum. Consequently, it is not only an opportunity to help the Mekong Delta develop more sustainably, but also to concretize the strategic partnership between Vietnam and the Netherlands.

"DeltaVax Project" was signed between Fresh Studio BV, PHARMAQ, De Heus Vietnam, Can Tho University and Fresh Studio Innovations Asia to transform the Mekong Delta pangasius value chain. The project focuses on improving the Pangasius value chain by increasing access to vaccination, improving knowledge and skills, and accessing technology in the aquaculture sector. Thereby, creating new business opportunities, and long-term jobs and promoting sustainable activities for economic and sustainable development of the industry.

"Making Aquaculture Cooperatives in Mekong Delta Inclusive and Bankable" sponsored by the Embassy of the Netherlands and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, implemented by the Netherlands Cooperative Organization (Agriterra), helping farmers and small-scale shrimp and pangasius farming cooperatives in Tra Vinh, Soc Trang, Ca Mau, Bac Lieu integrate and be able to mobilize capital.

Van Oord, Rynan Aquaculture, Larive International and OpenAsia cooperated to pioneer the implementation of mangrove-based aquaculture in the Mekong Delta region and established a dedicated testing and pilot site to optimize the application of mangroves in shrimp farming. This is an important step to balance aquaculture productivity and mangrove conservation, bringing benefits to both ecosystems and communities.

Dutch Entrepreneur Development Bank (FMO) sponsors an expected loan of $ 15 million for Camimex Joint Stock Company to implement the project "DFCD - Casimex Sustainable Mangrove Shrimp Facility". Camimex will implement a plan to expand organic shrimp farming by sourcing shrimp from an additional 3,000 mangrove shrimp farming households, on an area of 10,000 ha.

The Dutch Entrepreneur Development Bank (FMO) supported Loc Troi Group with a syndicated loan worth 90 million USD to implement the "Lox Troi 1 Ha Box Solution", with a comprehensive farming process including seed treatment and product preservation techniques for rice farmers.

Triple I Impact Fund invests 1 million Euro for Tra Vinh Farm Company Limited (Sokfarm) to promote adaptation to climate change and comprehensiveness and diversity for sustainable agriculture in the Mekong Delta, through the development of products from organic coconut nectar.

"PROCAS: Promoting Circular Processing of Cassava into Protein with Water Sustainability" is agreed on between cassava starch manufacturer Yen Binh (Vietnam), cassava equipment supplier Stamex (Thailand) and technology supplier Colubris Cleantech BV (Netherlands). Thereby, it aims to minimize the environmental impact of the cassava industry by exploiting Colubris' innovative protein extraction technology to recover valuable proteins from cassava juice. 

"Mekong Delta Youth Engagement Program" is the cooperation between The Water Agency, Tra Vinh University and the Vietnam Association of Community Colleges. The program inspires and engages students and young professionals to address water-related challenges in the Delta through activities such as (international) project exercises, internships, skills training, and serious gaming and innovation challenges.

Stichting Deltares and the Southern Vietnam Department of Water Resources Planning & Investigation cooperate to address the challenge of declining freshwater resources in the southern region of Vietnam, especially in the Mekong Delta, with innovative solutions for storing and replenishing fresh water.

Greenant and Eurofins Vietnam signed a joint cooperation agreement for sustainable trade and climate change adaptation. This is to establish an exclusive partnership to provide European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) certifications and advanced supply chain optimization solutions in Vietnam and Indonesia.

ESG Wings BV and KLC Group cooperate to build and develop a transparent - responsible - sustainable supply chain of Vietnamese agricultural and food products. The two companies, along with farmers, cooperatives, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers participating in exporting Vietnamese goods to Europe, will comply with all standard practice procedures throughout the supply chain, from farm to fork on digital applications.

ShrimpTech Vietnam is partnered with Larive International, Skretting, TipTopp Aquaculture, RYNAN Smart Aquaculture, ShrimpVet and OpenAsia Group to develop a project to promote the transformation of the shrimp industry in Vietnam to improve the efficiency, quality and profitability of the shrimp industry.

Miss Linh, VCHO and the Information Technology Application Center (Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency - Ministry of Industry and Trade) cooperate to build a sustainable food supply chain.

Miss Linh and LACÀPH cooperate for a strong Vietnamese coffee culture. Consequently, promoting Vietnamese coffee in Europe, prioritizing fair practices and the welfare of small-scale Vietnamese farmers to meet the responsible sourcing needs of European users.

In addition, there is also cooperation to develop Long Thanh International Airport infrastructure; and smart hospital; to strengthen the position of consumer products made from Kabrita goat milk.