(File photo)

China is Vietnam’s 2^nd largest agricultural importer, generating revenues of approximately 9.2 billion USD. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development said that enhancing cooperation could help Vietnam increase its agricultural exports to China. When the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership comes into force, bilateral trade and economic cooperation will accelerate, particularly in agriculture.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Xuan Cuong said: “If we want to develop sustainably and boost exports, we need to carefully organize our production chains. We must set standards and criteria for safe agricultural products for our 100 million people. We need to further improve our agricultural production under international standards to meet our export targets.”

Vietnam is the 6^th biggest agricultural exporter to Japan. Both countries have built value chains and are expanding cooperation and investment opportunities in agriculture. The two have implemented the “Mid-term and Long-term Vision on Agricultural Cooperation for the 2020-2024 period”, concentrating on completing irrigation works and infrastructure to support agricultural value chains, protect the environment and respond to climate change.

The two will work closely to promote investment by private enterprises and apply advanced technology to improve agricultural value chains.

Japan will support Vietnam in policy-making and training high-quality human resources, expanding pilot programs, and tapping the potential and strengths of localities.

“We have high expectations, based on the achievements of the first phase. Our two countries will expand bilateral ties at the provincial, local, and sectoral level. Specific cooperation programs will be implemented by the state, businesses, and individuals to capitalize on the agricultural advantages of each country,” said Minister Nguyen Xuan Cuong.