Vietnam and Ireland expand cooperation in livestock production and veterinary medicine

Minister Le Minh Hoan recalled his visit to Ireland earlier this month, during which he proposed Ireland’s support for cooperative models, especially in livestock, a sector that requires restructuring to shift from small-scale models to more collective economic models.

The Minister emphasized that Vietnam is actively participating in the global food system and transitioning towards green agriculture within a green economy. Vietnam hopes to foster collaboration and share resources and technical expertise through successful models, particularly in veterinary medicine, vaccine research, and livestock development.

Ms. Pippa Hackett commended Vietnam’s recent achievements in improving livelihoods and incomes, highlighting agriculture's significant role. She expressed a desire for deeper cooperation between the two ministries, particularly in agricultural food cooperation, building upon the previous Memorandum of Understanding.

The Irish agriculture leader noted that Vietnam and Ireland have achieved success in areas such as sustainable livestock, food safety, quality management, and product competitiveness, including climate-resilient farming and nutrition. Ireland wishes to continue advancing these areas of partnership.

The Irish Embassy has also developed a strategic cooperation program with Vietnam, addressing poverty reduction, climate resilience, ethnic minority issues, and rural development, with a focus on innovation.

Ms. Pippa Hackett expressed gratitude for the support from Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in facilitating veterinary health certificates, which allowed the import of Irish pet products. She hopes other Irish agricultural products, including beef, live pigs, poultry, and processed animal proteins, will soon have easier access to the Vietnamese market.

Ireland also proposed collaborating with Vietnam on a bioeconomy and circular economy program to add value to Vietnam's agricultural sector and contribute to the global economy.

In response, Minister Le Minh Hoan mentioned that Vietnam has established a task force to address EU-related issues and resolve pending files related to exports to Vietnam. During his recent visit to Ireland with Vietnam's General Secretary and President, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, affirming both governments' commitment to promoting agricultural cooperation and rural development.

The Minister urged Ireland, as an EU member, to continue supporting capacity building for experts in fields such as plant and animal quarantine to prevent technical issues. He also encouraged Ireland to facilitate investment from businesses in Vietnam’s livestock sector, especially in areas where Ireland excels, such as cattle and dairy farming. Vietnam welcomes collaborative investment opportunities in Ireland's areas of agricultural strength.

The Minister emphasized the need for a concrete roadmap through memorandums and cooperation programs to address ongoing issues and plan future partnerships.