Dutch co-operation on fruit and vegetables to be boosted

HA NOI ()— A round table conference on the establishment of a Viet Nam-Netherlands Co-operation Forum in the field of fruit and vegetables was held yesterday.

The establishment is in line with the two sides’ expectation, bringing about new opportunities for agricultural co-operation, said Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Vu Van Tam.

Although Viet Nam was one of the world’s five leading exporters of fruit and vegetables, the sector did not reflect the country’s potential and strength, which required support from governmental agencies, state-owned enterprises and international organisations, he said.

For his part, Netherlands Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation Hans Hoogreveen expressed his hope that the private sector would take the initiative in the co-operation forum, focusing on training, processing and technology for sustainable development and climate change adaptation.

At the event, director of the Viet Nam Fruit and Vegetable Research Institute Trinh Khac Quang made several suggestions to further both sides’ co-operation and research in the field.

Viet Nam now exports fruit and vegetables to 40 countries and territories. In 2012, the export turnover of fruit and vegetables topped US$800 million.

The two sides are expected to sign a co-operation agreement today. — VNS