The 10-year strategy guides future programs for collaborative research, including research themes, geographic foci and funding priorities from 2017 to 2027.
“I welcome the active participation of Vietnamese partners in the development of the strategy. The new strategy provides a road map for Australia and Vietnam to work in equal partnership with mutual contributions and benefits for economic growth, security and innovation under the next ten year framework for collaborative agricultural research”, said the Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, Mr. Craig Chittick.
Vice Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Mr. Le Quoc Doanh (fifth, from the left) and General Manager, Country Programs - ACIAR Dr. Peter Horne (fourth, from the left) at the signing ceremony of the Letter of Intent in Can Tho city, on August 21st. (Photo: Australian Embassy Vietnam)
Accordingly, ACIAR will cooperate with MARD and other partners to continue assisting Vietnam to address obstacles for agricultural development under six focus research areas: food safety; climate change; Improving soil fertility and crop efficiency; improving market engagement; Improving the value from forests; and aquaculture.
Besides, the Australian side will implement research all across Vietnam, with a particular focus in the Mekong Delta, Central Highlands and North-West Highlands.
Future research will involve the private sector to catalyze opportunities for the rural and urban poor.
Collaborative projects will also focus on highly applicable practices, creating opportunities for women to participate in and benefit from research, agribusiness systems and on-farm activities.
The capacity of Vietnamese researchers, farmers, extension workers and students will be improved through working with Australian and international scientists.
The two nations enjoy a strong and mutually beneficial relationship, with two-way trade worth over AUD10 billion annually. Their collaboration in agricultural research has developed through the ACIAR’s program. Since 1993, ACIAR has invested AUD100 million in 170 research projects in Vietnam, across agriculture, forestry and fisheries./.