Vietnam - Russia: Facilitating the expansion of bilateral import and export

Simplifying procedures to facilitate import and export of agricultural products

Regarding quarantine and market access, both sides agreed to continue accelerating the process of approving business dossiers. Currently, Vietnam has 53 enterprises authorized to export to Russia, while 119 other enterprises are still awaiting approval.

"There are still numerous enterprises that have been suspended and have sent explanations, but have not received any response. I hope that the Russian side will promptly address these issues, and at the same time, improve the evaluation methods and recognition of international standards, to expand the market in a transparent and efficient manner", said Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien.

In the fisheries sector, Vietnam acknowledged the significant technical support provided by Russia, particularly in the development of cold-water fisheries. Mr. Nhu Van Can, Deputy Director of the Directorate of Fisheries, proposed that Russia continue supporting the import of sturgeon roe and other high-value species for research purposes, promoting the export of shrimp, pangasius, and tilapia to the Russian market, and offering technical assistance in surveying and assessing fishery resources in deep-sea areas - an area in which Russia possesses considerable expertise.

According to Mr. Pham Kim Dang, Deputy Director of the Department of Livestock Production and Animal Health, Vietnam has granted permission to 221 Russian enterprises to import, including 62 meat companies and 159 seafood companies. Russia is now regarded as one of the promising markets for pork, poultry, and sturgeon roe products.

"Vietnam is currently assessing the risks related to the import dossiers for lamb and poultry meat from Russia. We hope the Russian side will share more experience in preventing mad cow disease and support the training of veterinary staff through specialized programs", said Mr. Pham Kim Dang.

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien encouraged Russian enterprises to actively register for cooperation in research and technology transfer, and at the same time urged Russia to create favorable conditions for Vietnam to expand its imports of animal feed and fertilized sturgeon roe.

Ambassador Gennady Bezdetko emphasized that Vietnam is a key partner of Russia in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in the fields of agricultural development and sustainable environmental practices. He highlighted the importance of enhancing bilateral cooperation in these areas. To further streamline the process of veterinary medicine inspection and approval, Mr. Bezdetko proposed that Vietnam adopt an electronic certification system. This transition would not only improve transparency and convenience but also reduce the time required for processing procedures, thus facilitating smoother trade and exchange. Additionally, he suggested that both countries focus more on strengthening the connection between their veterinary care systems and plant inspection mechanisms.

"Regarding import and export, I recommend that Vietnam consider recognizing electronic copies of certificates for goods imported from Russia, authenticated through checks on the Russian authorities' website. When Vietnam accepts this format, Russia will also commit to applying a similar mechanism for Vietnamese exports", said Mr. Gennady Bezdetko.

Ambassador Gennady Bezdetko expressed his satisfaction and pleasure with the success of Vietnamese enterprises in the Russian market, particularly highlighting the TH True Milk brand. Since 2018, TH True Milk has implemented modern farming operations in Moscow, Kaluga, and the Far East (Primorsky Krai), while simultaneously developing a robust distribution network. They have ambitious plans to open 300 True Mart stores throughout Russia, further expanding their footprint in the Russian market.

"In the near future, Russia will actively support Vietnamese enterprises in expanding their market share and developing business operations in Russia," said Mr. Gennady Bezdetko. "We are also ready to receive and support Vietnamese students to study at the St. Petersburg Veterinary School to enhance the human resources in Vietnam".

Potential for cooperation in natural resources and environment

An important highlight of the meeting was the agreement on scientific and technological cooperation, as well as human resource training. Vietnam proposed that Russia support training programs in several key areas, including biotechnology, blockchain for traceability, and remote sensing technology for land management and plant protection.

Mrs. Nguyen Thi Thien Phuong, Deputy Director of the Department of Environment, mentioned that Vietnam has recently restarted the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project. As such, waste management, particularly nuclear waste and municipal solid waste, has become a critical issue in Vietnam's development agenda.

"In this context, I suggest that Russia provide advanced waste treatment technologies that are suitable for Vietnam’s conditions, especially in craft villages and areas generating hazardous waste", said Mrs. Phuong.

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien encouraged both countries to continue collaborating on research and developing sustainable mining technologies, as well as finding innovative solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Listening to the opinions of the leaders from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Ambassador Gennady Bezdetko agreed that further efforts should be made to organize more industry forums, specialized trade fairs, B2B connections, and online seminars. These activities will help create favorable conditions for businesses from both countries to quickly, effectively, and sustainably access each other's markets.

In the field of marine resources and environmental research, Vietnam proposed enhancing cooperation with Russian partners to carry out scientific and technological research on deep-sea minerals, ecology, and environmental protection. Additionally, Vietnam requested support in human resource training for scientific research work at sea. The two sides also agreed to coordinate joint surveys and investigations in Vietnamese waters as well as international waters.

"Russia will transfer a scientific research vessel to Vietnam in the near future. This transfer is an important opportunity for Vietnam to enhance its capacity to conduct marine ecological surveys and research. It will also support the sustainable exploitation and use of seabed resources, contributing to the protection and conservation of marine ecosystems", said Mr. Gennady Bezdetko.