Vietnam and Ireland work together to increase food security and climate change adaptation

MARD Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien stated that Ireland would continue to be an important partner for Vietnam, particularly if the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement enters into force. Meanwhile, Ireland is one of the world's leading agricultural and food-producing countries.

MARD chief expects Vietnam and Ireland to strengthen cooperative collaboration in several sectors such as agriculture, livestock production, food security, food safety, digital transformation, and climate change.

Considering the accomplishments of Vietnam's agriculture industry in recent years, Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien stated that overall agricultural export turnover in 2022 will exceed 53.22 billion USD, a 30% increase over 2021. The official of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development also underlined that one of Vietnam's primary responsibilities is to secure food security and adapt to climate change, with the objective of creating a transparent, accountable, and sustainable food system.

However, the Deputy Minister stated that in the context of low-income countries, Vietnam's agricultural production still faces challenges such as low competitiveness for deeper integration, a lack of durability, limited scientific application and technology, and a lower attractiveness in terms of agricultural investment capital. Furthermore, it is vital to strengthen the capacity to adapt to climate change, natural catastrophes, diseases, and so on.

Speaking on the two countries' agricultural cooperation, Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien stated that the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs has performed several research and technical support initiatives to help Vietnam's agriculture industry expand.

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien also informed the gathering that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development had collaborated with Ireland's Department of Agricultural, Food, and Marine to prepare an action plan for the years 2023-2025. On April 6, the two ministries are expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on agricultural and fisheries cooperation (local time).

"On that basis, I hope that you, in your position, will continue to support Vietnam through programs and projects to improve industry capacity, particularly training a team of specialized personnel based on Ireland's extensive experience and sustainable development," Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien stated.