Vietnam and Korea to collaborate in 6 key areas

After over three decades of diplomatic ties, Vietnam and Korea have elevated their relationship to the status of a comprehensive strategic partnership in December 2022, marking significant progress. Both countries have witnessed remarkable advancements across various sectors including trade, investment, culture, education, as well as agriculture and rural development.

Both Vietnam and Korea possess significant potential and advantages for collaboration in the agricultural industry. Korea boasts a modern, developed agriculture sector with a diverse range of produce, particularly vegetables and fruits, along with cutting-edge agricultural, forestry, and fishery processing technologies.

Minister Le Minh Hoan commended Korea's expertise in sustainable agricultural development, stating, "Throughout my career, from working at the local level to my current position, I have consistently observed Korea's scientific and technological advancements, and have always aspired to collaborate in replicating innovative models to enhance the beauty of Vietnam's rural areas."

In order to actualize the Vietnam-Korea Cooperation Vision in the realm of Agriculture and Rural Development, Minister Le Minh Hoan urged Ambassador Choi Youngsam to focus on advancing cooperation in six key areas: Community tourism linked with the promotion of specialty agricultural product trade; Application of digital transformation to establish new rural communes; Transfer of technology application in circular agriculture; Enhancement of the food supply chain system; Establishment of a data bank for agricultural trade; Sharing models to support communities in adapting to climate change.

Minister Le Minh Hoan emphasized that each Korean agricultural product blends traditional values with modernity, encompassing multiple dimensions of value. For instance, Taepyeong salt products incorporate local salt artisans into the agricultural value chain, thus preserving traditional production methods.

In discussions with leaders of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Korean Ambassador concurred that cooperation in sustainable agricultural development, with farmers as the main focus, is the cornerstone of the diplomatic relationship between the two countries. He expressed that the Korean Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs showed great interest in this meeting. Ambassador Choi Youngsam acknowledged Vietnam's six proposals and commended the Ministry's proactive approach.

Mr. Choi Youngsam stated, "The comprehensive exchange between the specialized agencies of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, coupled with Korea's expertise in high technology application, will ensure the sustainable transformation of the entire industry. We particularly view this as a foundation for enhancing the promotion of agricultural, forestry, and fisheries trade in 2024."

In recent years, Vietnam has boosted the export of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products to Korea, leveraging the Vietnam-Korea Free Trade Agreement (VKFTA). By 2023, Korea became Vietnam's third-largest market for fruit and vegetable exports, with 2024 anticipated to witness a breakthrough in exporting Vietnamese fruits and vegetables to Korea. Vietnamese tropical fruit products still hold significant potential in the Korean market.

To facilitate agricultural trade, Huynh Tan Dat, Director of the Plant Protection Department (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development), urged Korea to cooperate in promptly finalizing and announcing import conditions for Vietnamese grapefruit. The Plant Protection Department has also submitted documentation for longan, lychee, rambutan, and passion fruit to your specialized agency. In the near future, to promote fruit and vegetable trade, Mr. Dat proposed that Korea collaborate in standardizing plant quarantine procedures, facilitating business connections between the two countries, and exchanging technical expertise to bolster export capabilities.

Ambassador Choi Youngsam agreed on the potential for connecting bilateral businesses and suggested that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development coordinate in organizing conferences and seminars on agricultural sector innovation.

Minister Le Minh Hoan pledged to direct agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to efficiently implement cooperation programs and projects with Korea, enhancing the capacity of relevant stakeholders and contributing to the sustainable growth of the agricultural sector and its integration into the global value chain.