Vietnam and and Ireland creating favorable conditions for fresh fruits trading

Promoting agrotrade between the two markets

On March 13, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Hoang Trung received Mr. Noel Grealish, Irish Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine with responsibility for Food Promotion, New Markets, Research and Development.

Speaking at the recieption, Deputy Minister Hoang Trung reminded two Memorandum of Understandings that the two sides signed namely the MoU on agriculture, and rural development in April 2023 and the MoU on food transformation. Within one of those, the Ireland - Vietnam Agriculture and Food Cooperation Program for 2023 - 2028 (IVAP) focusing on cooperation in food transformation. Vietnam's side has based on these topics in the signed documents to buil monitor framework, programs and research with the strength of the two sides, in line with the National Action Plan for Transforming Vietnam’s Food Systems Responsibly, Transparently, and Sustainably

Deputy Minister Hoang Trung shared that the agriculture and environment sector of Vietnam expects to receive technical support in food system transformation as well as the management system for food to ensure safety and traceability. 

For trade cooperation, including the trading on fisheries, several enterprises have been eligible to export seafood to EU market (including Ireland). However, IUU yellow card remains a concern and being a barrier for seafood export from Vietnam to the market. 

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is actively working to promote agri-forestry-fishery trade exchange between Vienam and Ireland's markets. 

"Despite good politic and economic relationship remained, trading of agri-forestry-fishery products limit compared to their potential", said Deputy Minister Hoang Trung. 

On the Irish side, Minister of State for Food, Market Access, Research, and Development at the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, Noel Grealish, stated that this was his first official overseas mission in his new role.

According to Mr. Grealish, the recent state visit by leaders of both sides has helped strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, education, and agriculture.

“Ireland has undergone a development phase similar to Vietnam, transitioning from an agricultural-based economy to an open economy. Agriculture remains very important to our economy, and Ireland will continue to support and modernize the sector with scientific advancements,” Mr. Grealish said.

Ireland commits to supporting Vietnam’s rural areas

Minister of State Grealish stated that this meeting aimed to consolidate and deepen Ireland’s relationship with Vietnam. Ireland remains committed as a development partner, continuing its support for poverty reduction, enhancing climate change resilience for ethnic minorities, and assisting rural areas in Vietnam. Additionally, Ireland supports demining efforts and various fields such as education and agriculture.

Referring to the Vietnam-Ireland Agri-Food Partnership Program (IVAP), Mr. Grealish noted that the program has effectively addressed Vietnam’s needs, benefiting both government and private sector partners.

Furthermore, IVAP has helped strengthen Ireland’s relationship with Vietnam through activities such as sustainable food system transformation, developing a safe and sustainable livestock sector, improving food safety, fostering innovation in technology and food value enhancement, and increasing support for cooperatives.

Deputy Minister Hoang Trung agreed with Ireland’s viewpoints and expressed his desire for both sides to continue fostering cooperation in agriculture and environmental sustainability. He specifically called on Ireland to provide further support for Vietnam’s food system transformation.

Additionally, regarding IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing, Deputy Minister Hoang Trung urged Ireland to support Vietnam’s efforts to have the IUU “yellow card” (EC) lifted as soon as possible.

Besides agricultural trade, the Ireland-Vietnam Cooperation Program on Sustainable Agriculture and Food (IVAP) for 2023-2028 has been implemented. As part of this initiative, the Irish Embassy and the Irish Sustainable Food Systems Agency (SFSI) have awarded three full scholarships for master’s programs focusing on climate change, agriculture, and food security.

Thus, in addition to agricultural trade, Deputy Minister Hoang Trung emphasized the importance of addressing key issues such as poverty reduction, rural modernization, climate change adaptation, and especially vocational training for farmers. Improving farmers’ knowledge and skills will enable them to produce higher-value products directly on their farms. A well-trained workforce is expected to make a significant contribution to Vietnam’s agriculture and environment in the future.

Deputy Minister Hoang Trung also highlighted that supporting agricultural cooperatives is a crucial approach. Currently, many cooperatives have been adopting new technologies to gradually transform into agricultural enterprises, aiming for more modern and sustainable production models.