Viet Nam, Cambodia push for substantive, effective agricultural and environmental cooperation

On the morning of June 10 in Hanoi, Trinh Viet Hung, Member of the Party Central Committee and Minister of Agriculture and Environment, received and held working sessions with a Cambodian delegation from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, led by Minister Dith Tina. The two sides exchanged views on cooperation priorities aimed at advancing development in agriculture and the environment in the period ahead.

During the bilateral discussions, both ministers emphasized the shared goal of further growing trade turnover between Viet Nam and Cambodia. To translate that objective into reality, the two sides agreed on the need for a comprehensive review of previously signed cooperation agreements and programs to assess implementation effectiveness, while also examining potential amendments and additions suited to new development requirements. The review of existing cooperation documents is expected to be conducted in the third quarter of 2026, with a focus on concretizing commitments, addressing implementation gaps, and expanding into new areas of potential cooperation.

In the agricultural sector, both sides acknowledged the active exchange of key commodities including rubber, rice, and other agricultural products. The two ministers agreed on the need to develop strategic production plans to improve product quality, ensure stable supply, and help maintain price levels that equitably serve the interests of both producers and consumers.

Food quality and safety was also identified as a priority area in agricultural cooperation. Both sides agreed to strengthen coordination on inspection and surveillance, and to develop plans ensuring that products meet international quality standards, thereby facilitating bilateral agricultural trade.

On fisheries and marine affairs, Cambodia shared its efforts to implement marine ecosystem protection programs that contribute to the restoration of fishery resources and marine assets. The two sides agreed to deepen cooperation in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, while stepping up public awareness campaigns to protect natural resources and the marine environment.

Specifically in aquaculture, Cambodia expressed high regard for Viet Nam's experience and advanced techniques in the sector and conveyed its desire to expand technical exchanges, broaden technical cooperation, and jointly explore markets for the agricultural, forestry, and fishery products of both countries.

Both sides also proposed strengthening information-sharing mechanisms and maintaining regular communication at the leadership level to ensure the timely resolution of issues arising during the course of cooperation.

Ministers Trinh Viet Hung and Dith Tina reaffirmed their determination to continue advancing bilateral cooperation in agriculture, the environment, forestry, and fisheries in a manner that is substantive, effective, and sustainable. Both parties committed to developing concrete cooperation plans, deepening experience-sharing, expanding product markets, and coordinating closely on environmental protection and sustainable development.