Vietnam, Egypt strengthen agricultural cooperation

As part of President Luong Cuong’s official visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt, accompanied by a high-level Vietnamese delegation, on August 6, Deputy Minister Vo Van Hung met with Mr. Mostafa Ibrahim Ali El-Sayad, Egypt’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, to discuss cooperation in the agricultural sector.

At the meeting, Deputy Minister Vo Van Hung expressed his admiration for Egypt’s agricultural potential and strengths, particularly in products popular with Vietnamese consumers such as grapes, oranges, and tangerines.

In 2024, Vietnam’s seafood exports to Egypt reached USD 46.8 million, up 11.9% from the previous year; in the first five months alone, the figure stood at USD 15.8 million, marking a 38.2% year-on-year increase. Vietnam’s key agricultural exports include coffee, fruits and vegetables, cashew nuts, and pepper. With their complementary natural conditions and market demands, the Deputy Minister expressed confidence that agricultural cooperation between the two countries would continue to grow robustly, delivering tangible benefits for both sides.

The two countries also agreed to consider signing a Letter of Intent on promoting agricultural trade to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in this sector.

“Vietnam is committed to facilitating the swift entry of Egyptian agricultural products into our domestic market. I propose that the technical agencies of both countries enhance information exchange and provide support in completing documentation, expediting the approval process so that products fully meet Vietnam’s phytosanitary requirements,” the leader of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment affirmed.

Appreciating Vietnam’s cooperation proposals, Egypt’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation expressed confidence that bilateral trade in agricultural and aquatic products would continue to grow strongly. He also voiced his hope that both sides would soon expand market access for other Egyptian agricultural products.

The two countries agreed to maintain direct communication channels between their competent authorities to promptly exchange information and address emerging issues related to market access and the opening of agricultural and aquatic product markets. This will be carried out in accordance with each side’s regulations and international practices, ensuring the principle of balanced mutual benefits.