(VOVWORLD) - Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern viewed agriculture as a basis for relations with Vietnam while addressing an agriculture connection event (AgriConnectioNZ) in Hanoi on Tuesday.
 Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern visit a Vietnamese fruit stall (Photo: vietnamnet.vn) |
In her remarks, she said agriculture is not only a crucial sector of the two economies but also part of the countries’ cultural identities, noting that farmers are a key factor of the economy of New Zealand.
Describing New Zealand and Vietnam as destined partners in agriculture, PM Ardern stressed that agricultural connectivity marks a historic milestone in their fruitful and mutually beneficial relations, and that it’s now the time for the countries to launch a partnership in agriculture for the next century.
Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan also said agricultural cooperation is an important pillar in bilateral cooperation. Vietnam appreciates New Zealand’s attention to agriculture, which focuses on knowledge and technology transfer regarding the development of the farm produce market and high-quality crop varieties, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, dam safety and reservoir operations, food safety, and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in animal farming.
He said: "Vietnam is implementing agriculture and rural development strategy based on eco-agriculture, modern agriculture, and sustainable agriculture. The Vietnamese agriculture is moving toward multi-value integration, sustainability, low emission, and sustainable use of resources in association with protecting the environment and conserving biodiversity. Vietnam will create favorable conditions to boost cooperation with New Zealand.
 At the launch o Vietnam lime and pomelo trade to New Zealand (Photo: VOV) |
At the event, PM Ardern, Minister Hoan, and Minister for Trade and Export Growth and Minister of Agriculture of New Zealand Damien O'Connor witnessed the signing of a document on the implementation of a plan to export Vietnam’s lime and pomelo to New Zealand, along with a memorandum of understanding on cooperation prioritization between the TH True Milk company of Vietnam and the Waikato milk company of New Zealand.