In 2014, the two nations signed a Strategic Partnership Arrangement in sustainable agriculture and food security, as a structure for cooperation. The partnership aims to develop a mutually beneficial and true partnership.
During this visit, the Vice Minister was accompanied by a business delegation which was a mix of companies that are new to Vietnam and those that have prior experience of doing business in the country. Most had concrete business plans and they invested time and money to be part of this visit. Networking events and matchmaking opportunities with Vietnamese companies and Government stakeholders were organized, making an excellent chance for the firms to get to know Vietnam better and move their plans forward.
Photo: Hoai Linh
Ms. Sonnema attended ASEAN+6 regional Food Security Conference themed “Let’s get to work - Building a food secure future” which was hosted in Hanoi by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam together with the Ministry of Economic Affairs of the Netherlands.
This conference was a direct result of close cooperation in the areas of sustainable agriculture and food security, focusing on reducing food waste and food losses in order to find new solutions for the Sustainable Development Goals. Food security deals were expected as results of the conference, which from now on will seek to prompt and reinforce real actions.
According to the Dutch Vice Minister, Vietnam and the Netherlands are natural partners. Both are world-class players in the export of agricultural products. Both are coastal states in strategic locations.
Photo: Hoai Linh
“And as delta countries, we both face the challenges of climate change, especially in the area of agriculture water management. The Netherlands has the experience, expertise, technology, and transferable skills that can serve as a catalyst for sustainable agricultural production in a middle-income country like Vietnam”, stressed Ms. Marjolijn Sonnema.
Numerous deals and agreement were made during her visit, thus enhancing economic ties between the two countries. Having shared the vision of a sustainable future where the economy thrives and the environment is well-maintained, the Netherlands and Vietnam can continue working collectively as one and continue marking many other milestones in our partnership.
In 2015, bilateral trade reached USD5.4billion. The Netherlands is Vietnam’s second largest trade partner and the largest investor from the EU./.