Vietnam and Australia together solve the bottlenecks in agricultural development

On the afternoon of April 26, within the framework of the fourth Global Conference on Sustainable Food Systems, Mr. Nguyen Do Anh Tuan, Director of the Department of International Cooperation (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development), had a meeting with Mrs. Su McCluskey, Special Representative for Australian Agriculture.

At the meeting Mrs. Su McCluskey expressed her wish that the two sides would discuss, share experiences, and propose solutions so that the two countries can deepen their close cooperation in the field of food safety and product traceability; develop the “One Health” network; build sustainable agriculture. She emphasized the solutions so that farmers can safely cultivate at the lowest cost and identity which capital system can offer them low-interest rates and easy access.

Mr. Nguyen Do Anh Tuan, Director of the International Cooperation Department (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development) shared: Vietnam pays particular attention to food safety. However, with the rate of livestock raising in households, this problem is still tackled by certain unsatisfactory points.  Vietnam is therefore very keen to learn from the experience of leading countries like Australia, especially on the issue of product traceability. Vietnam always has a high regard for the assistance of its partners over the years.

Regarding the "One Health" initiative, in recent years Vietnam has stepped up the promotion of cooperation and coordination among the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and in close collaboration with other funding agencies and development partners, between central and local.

The "One Health" initiative is subdivided into topic groups to mobilize the active participation of subjects at all levels. Many groups are currently operating with great efficiency such as the group against antibiotic resistance in animals, affecting human health; rabies prevention; food safety; anti-wildlife trade.

Taking the role of the coordinator, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam will create a playground for all parties to participate proactively. Also, information will be regularly provided for ministries, sectors, programs and projects to adjust and coordinate appropriately.

Vietnam will continue to work with development partners to promote food safety, combat infectious diseases from wild animals to humans, prevent wildlife trade and improve crop health.

On the issue of environmental sustainability, Mr. Tuan said that the first important thing to do is to change awareness and equip farmers with adequate information through agricultural extension programs of businesses and the State.

The EU has relaid regulations on preventing forest encroachment and destruction in agricultural production specifically coffee trees. Vietnam fully supports this view and does not see this as a challenge but as an opportunity for the Vietnamese coffee industry to transform in a more sustainable direction and improve the image of Vietnamese coffee with global buyers.

Regarding the issue of some countries proposing a carbon tax, Vietnam will continue to monitor and be willing to participate in initiatives and ideas to reduce emissions and protect the environment. However, it is deemed essential to ensure fairness and justice between countries. Vietnam also expects Australia to accompany and support Vietnam in this process.

In the financial sector, Vietnam will receive the highest loan incentives when investing in the agricultural sector, especially in remote and mountainous areas with environmental difficulties. Farmers however find it difficult to access credit because they usually have a hard time proving the plausibility of their production plan to the bank. Therefore, the fact that Australia is well-deploying its policies and capital support for farmers is considered a valuable experience for Vietnam.

Regarding the development of sustainable food systems, Vietnam will set up a partnership group.  Development partners are invited to become co-chairs of several working groups along with the participation of private and local sectors.

After hearing what Mr. Tuan wished to share with the Australian partner, Mrs. Su McCluskey highly appreciated the efforts, initiatives, and results that Vietnam has achieved in all fields over the past few years. She also pledged that the Australian side is always ready to support Vietnam in fulfilling its commitments to the international community, especially in food safety, product traceability, establishment of the “One Health” network, and sustainable agriculture development.