Viet Nam, Brunei strengthen cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, and environment

Within the framework of the State Visit to Viet Nam from November 30 to December 2, 2025, by Sultan of Brunei Darussalam Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Minister of Agriculture and Environment Tran Duc Thang received and held a working session with Brunei Darussalam's Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, Dato DR. Abdul Manaf Metussin. At the meeting, the two sides signed two important Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), opening new avenues for cooperation between the ministries.

Strengthening trust, expanding cooperation

Speaking at the working session, Minister Tran Duc Thang welcomed Minister Dato DR. Abdul Manaf Metussin and highly appreciated Brunei’s role in promoting agricultural and fisheries cooperation in the past. He emphasized that the friendly relationship and trust between the two countries, especially within the ASEAN framework, serve as the foundation for expanding cooperation.

“We always value cooperation with Brunei. General Secretary To Lam and the Central Committee also greatly appreciate cooperation from ASEAN partners, including Brunei. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is ready to coordinate across all sectors,” stated Minister Tran Duc Thang.

Minister Dato DR. Abdul Manaf Metussin expressed gratitude for the reception by Minister Tran Duc Thang and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. He also emphasized the significance of the two documents signed during the visit: the MOU on fisheries cooperation and the MOU on the use of a hotline for exchanging information on IUU.

According to him, the two agreements demonstrate the common commitment of Viet Nam and Brunei to strengthening cooperation and preserving marine resources. He acknowledged the cooperation between the two countries’ fisheries agencies, particularly in shrimp farming, and expressed a desire to expand investment with Viet Nam in the future.

Minister Dato DR. Abdul Manaf Metussin also reiterated the direction given during the recent meeting between Viet Nam's General Secretary and the Sultan of Brunei, in which the two sides agreed to promote comprehensive cooperation, including the fisheries sector.

Looking forward to 2026 with high expectations

Also at the working session, Minister Tran Duc Thang stated that the potential for cooperation between the two countries remains immense, not only in fisheries but also in food and agricultural sectors, scientific research, and the development of Halal products for export to Brunei and from Brunei to other markets.

“The adoption of international agreements, together with the coordination of the two countries' embassies, will help expand cooperation in agriculture, environment, and fisheries,” he said, adding that the Ministry still wishes to have more in-depth meetings to accelerate implementation.

Minister Dato DR. Abdul Manaf Metussin emphasized his wish that “the two cooperation documents should not merely remain signed, but must be implemented into concrete projects.” He stated that Brunei is collaborating with fisheries research institutes to enhance post-planning technology and expects Viet Nam to provide greater support in the coming period.

Minister Tran Duc Thang affirmed that the projects currently underway will continue to be implemented, while the two sides will research additional new programs. Viet Nam is ready to dispatch experts and connect Brunei enterprises to relevant agencies for direct collaboration.

The Brunei Minister expressed hope that he would soon return to Viet Nam in 2026 to witness the initial results of the cooperation programs. He stated that immediately upon returning home, he would report to the Brunei leadership on the outcomes of the meeting and promote the implementation of the agreed-upon contents.

Minister Tran Duc Thang wished Minister Dato DR. Abdul Manaf Metussin and the Sultan of Brunei a successful visit and working trip to Viet Nam.

Some photos from the reception and working session between Minister of Agriculture and Environment Tran Duc Thang and Brunei Darussalam's Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, Dato DR. Abdul Manaf Metussin: