MEKONG DELTA BUSINESS FORUM 2022

On the afternoon of April 8, 2022, in Can Tho city, the Dutch diplomatic mission in Vietnam in collaboration with VCCI Can Tho and the Dutch Business Association in Vietnam (DBAV) coordinated to organize Mekong Delta Business Forum.

The event was attended by the Ambassador of the Netherlands, Ms. Elsbeth Akkerman; Chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Pham Tan Cong; representatives of the People’s Committees of Vinh Long, Tra Vinh, Bac Lieu and Ca Mau provinces; UNDP Resident Coordinator in Vietnam, Ms. Caitlin Wiesen; along with many delegates from Dutch and Vietnamese government agencies, research institutions and businesses.

The forum is an opportunity for the Netherlands to update the Vietnam-Netherlands agenda in the Mekong Delta and introduce solutions in agriculture, water, and logistics technology to address the challenges of changes in climate, economy in this region

According to Dutch Ambassador Elsbeth Akkerman, the private sector needs to act faster and stronger to engage more deeply in sustainable business and mitigate the impacts of climate change in the Mekong Delta. The Netherlands has invested around 50 million Euros from the public budget and private resources into projects and initiatives in the Mekong Delta, and the number of projects continues to grow.

The Mekong Delta Business Forum creates conditions for Vietnamese and Dutch businesses to meet, exchange and expand business opportunities, with innovative solutions and Dutch experiences in the water sector, agriculture and logistics, through diverse partnership mechanisms, including the Mekong Delta Sustainable Business Platform. The platform was established with the participation of four Dutch focus areas (including agricultural products, horticulture, water and logistics) and VCCI Can Tho.

The Netherlands is a reliable and long-term partner of Vietnam in water management, sustainable agriculture and climate change adaptation. Royal Haskoning DHV’s Dutch experts worked closely with the Ministry of Planning and Investment of Vietnam to develop an Integrated Master Plan for the Mekong Delta. On February 28, the Government of Vietnam approved the Master Plan for the Mekong Delta, the Netherlands is always ready to cooperate with Vietnam to realize this Master Plan.

Speaking at the Forum, VCCI President Pham Tan Cong said that the Netherlands has the second largest agricultural export strength in the world, has sustainable production technology, and is considered the main gateway to Europe. The Mekong Delta is a large plain, an area of ​​great socio-economic significance, and the largest center of rice and seafood production in the country.

Source: Business Forum Magazine https://diendandoanhnghiep.vn/ha-lan-va-dong-bang-song-cuu-long-co-the-bo-khuyet-cho-nhau-220752.html

Connecting Vietnam and The Netherlands in one business platform

On Friday 8th April,  the first live event for many months of DBAV/NVCC took place. Recently, the two organizations DBAV & NVCC, announced an intensive collaboration, where by all members of NVCC join the DBAV/NVCC network.  

With this collaboration, DBAV/NVCC will offer one Dutch-Vietnamese business platform to businesses and professionals in both countries. Thanks to the larger membership and contact databases, a larger network will be created, while members of both organizations can expect more services end benefits in both the Netherlands and Vietnam.

 

TALK SHOW ON EUROPEAN VEGETABLE AND FRUIT MARKET (AFT-NVHBP)

On Saturday, March 19, 2022, the Association of Food Transparency – AFT (https://thucphamminhbach.org) and the Netherlands Vietnam Horticulture Business Platform – NVHBP (www.nvhortiplatform.com)  have co-organized a Talk Show on European Vegetable Fruits Market, Smart Agriculture Solutions and opportunities for Vietnamese Agricultural Products.

At the Talkshow, Ms. Mai Hong, Vietnam Coordinator of NVHBP shared some basic information on the demand for processed vegetables and fruits in Europe, namely:

  1. What makes Europe an interesting market for processed fruit and vegetables?
  2. Which European markets offer most opportunities for processed fruit and vegetables?
  3. Which products from developing countries have the most potential in the European processed fruit and vegetables market?

And current outstanding consumers’ trends, such as:

  1. Product sustainability
  2. Sustainable packaging
  3. Health benefits of food and drink
  4. Vegetable alternatives to animal products in high demand
  5. New processing technology and digitization
  6. Product information needs to be more complete, transparent and detailed
  7. Organic products
  8. Natural and free-from products gain market share
  9. New sourcing origins and vertical integration are coming up

Other members of NVHBP, Mr. Nguyen Tuong Hung, Director of Pho Hien Machinery Company (www.PhohienMachinery.com) presented about automatic warehouse technology (iCube warehouse, a product of Logiqs) and agricultural machines for livestock farming, big open fields cultivating, such as tractors, excavators, bulldozers, rollers, wheel loaders, forklifts, plows, furrowers, seeding machines and other agricultural implements, harvesters, sprayers, silage, TMR feed mixers… Mr. Nguyen Khac Minh Tri, Director of MimosaTEK Company (https://mimosatek.com/) provided useful information about smart agricultural solutions: challenges facing the agricultural industry and application of high technology, IoT into agriculture today, Overview of 4.0 agriculture.

There was a number of management organizations, agricultural enterprises and many individuals operating in the field of production and distribution of agricultural products and food, from many provinces, inside and outside Vietnam participated to the Talkshow. The parties actively exchanged information and shared experiences, making  great success for the Conference.

Webinar PUM “Readiness for export of fresh fruit & vegetables to the EU market”

On 30 March 2022, 4 pm Viet Nam time, PUM Netherlands senior experts organises a webinar on “Readiness for export of fresh fruit & vegetables to the EU market”. PUM invites all Vietnamese fresh fruit and vegetable businesses with export ambitions for the EU market.

Key aspects of export readiness addressed during this webinar are certification, sustainability, buyer requirements, packaging & labelling, transport, and EU legislation.

Speakers are:
*Co Konings, PUM expert/ Director of Operations, Van Oers United.
*Inge Ribbens, Policy Officer International Affairs, Fresh Produce Centre.

The webinar will take place via Microsoft Teams, participation is free of charge and registered participants will receive a Microsoft Teams link a couple of days before the event.

Please register for the webinar via this link: https://lnkd.in/guv3cZj7

More information

Viet Nam Rubber Industry – Vietnam Value Program

Viet Nam Rubber Industry – Vietnam Value Program

Viet Nam has long been known as an agriculture-based country with a wide range of agriculture products. With this type of comparative advantages in the global trade market, the country has gained a well-deserved reputation as one of the largest and most credible producers and exports of multiple agricultural merchandise, one of which must be Vietnamese rubber – a world-renowned specialty of the S-shaped country.

Rubber is one of the most valuable industrial crops in Viet Nam besides pepper, coffee and cashew. Thus, the rubber industry has received huge attention from the government and the private sectors in Viet Nam. There are two main types of rubber in the market, natural and synthetic. In Viet Nam, the rubber industry mainly focuses on the production of natural rubber.

During 2020, Vietnam’s rubber industry has been focusing on both producing natural latex – Vietnam’s strong point already, and improving the technology for rubber latex processing, as well as developing catch-crop and high-tech rubber agriculture. Vietnam Rubber Group (VRG) also fosters partnerships among rubber companies in Viet Nam and between Vietnamese firms and foreign ones to find markets for the output. Until 2020, VRG has approved 2 high-tech agricultural zones and 13 high-tech projects with a total area of over 4,300 ha.

Viet Nam exports rubber to more than 60 markets around the world. In 2020, rubber exports were estimated at 1.75 million tons, worth US$2.38 billion, up 2.8% in volume and 3.5% in value compared to 2019, the average export price was at US$1,362/ton, up 0.7% compared to 2019.

Depending on each kind of rubber product, there were different strategic trade partners for Viet Nam. For instance, for natural rubber, the major export destinations in 2020 were China, India, South Korea, Taipei and the U.S – traditional markets for Vietnam’s rubber. Europe also emerged as a new market for Vietnam’s natural rubber such as Germany, Spain, Italy and Netherlands.

Vietnam’s main export products in 2020 were raw materials of latex, constituting about 78.4% while the remaining 21.6% was processed products namely tyres, gloves, accessories and soles of shoes. According to the Vietnam Rubber Association, in 2020, the export value of natural rubber was over US$2.38 billion, which was about 30.3% of the total export value of the industry whereas that of processed rubber products reached the point of roughly US$3.11 billion – about 39.6%. Viet Nam also exported quite a huge amount of rubber wood, whose export value hit US$2.36 billion last year, accounting for 30.1%. In 2021, global rubber output is expected to rise by 3-6 percent on an annual average, keeping pace with the increasing area under cultivation. Currently, Danang Rubber, Sao Vang Rubber, Southern Rubber Industry JSC (Casumina), and Inoue Rubber Vietnam are four major players in the local market, in all of which state-owned Vietnam National Chemical Group (Vinachem) has the ownership.

Thanks to the support of the The National Branding Program (called Vietnam Value Program), many Vietnamese corporations and businesses in general, and rubber companies in particular, have become aware of the importance of branding as the key to increase product value as well as corporate value. Enterprises have gradually created, developed and promoted their brands professionally, thereby improving their competitiveness and affirming their position in the domestic and foreign markets.

The National Branding Program (called Vietnam Value Program) was approved by the Prime Minister at the Decision 253/2003/QD-TTg dated 25th November 2003. The Ministry of Industry and Trade has been assigned to coordinate with other ministries and agencies to implement the Program. The symbol “Vietnam Value” is attached to trademarks of products and services that are qualified according to strict criteria of the Program. The selection of products and services is carried out every 2 years. The State does not only aim to build national brands itself but also sponsor the program’s partners to further develop their well-recognized brands of products and services, thereby setting a strong foothold at home and advancing their presence in the global markets. There are five rubber companies included in the Vietnam Values’s rubber companies: Da Nang Rubber JSC., Dau Tieng Rubber Corporation, Dong Nai Rubber Corporation, Tan Bien Rubber JSC. and the Southern Rubber Industry JSC. (Casumina).

 

 

THE CONFERENCE ON PROMOTION OF INVESTMENT IN AGRICULTURE OF LAI CHAU PROVINCE 2021

On the morning of December 4, 2021, the People’s Committee of Lai Chau province in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) successfully organized the Conference on Investment Promotion in the agricultural sector of Lai Chau province in 2021 with the theme: “Economic recovery, flexible and safe adaptation to the Covid-19 pandemic”.

Attending the Conference, on the side of ministries and central, there were Mr. Le Minh Hoan – Member of the Party Central Committee, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development; the leading representative of the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance (VCA); Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI); leaders of the provinces: Son La, Dien Bien, Lao Cai, Yen Bai; representatives of diplomatic missions and international organizations.

On the side of Lai Chau province, there were comrades: Mrs. Giang Pao My – Member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the People’s Council, Head of the Provincial National Assembly Delegation; Mr. Tran Tien Dung – Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee; comrades in the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee, leaders of the People’s Council, People’s Committee, Provincial Party Committees; leaders of provincial departments, agencies, People’s Committees of districts and cities, 37 subjects of more than 100 OCOP products in Lai Chau province.

The agricultural production value of Lai Chau by 2020 was over 3,200 billion VND, increased 8.5 times compared to 2004; forming and developing many large-scale concentrated commodity production areas such as: Lai Chau ginseng, tea, rubber, macadamia nuts, bananas…

On this occasion, Lai Chau Provincial People’s Committee awarded investment policy decisions for 8 projects; signed investment cooperation minutes between the Provincial People’s Committee and 17 enterprises and investors; signed an investment cooperation contract between the Lai Chau Ginseng Association and the Korean Ginseng Association; signed a memorandum of understanding between the Lai Chau Agricultural Products Association and the Korean Agricultural Artisans Association; Lai Chau Agricultural Products Association and the Netherlands – Vietnam Horticulture Business Platform  (NVHBP); Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation for the period 2021 – 2026 between the People’s Committee of Lai Chau province and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Speaking at the closing of the Conference, Mr. Tran Tien Dung – Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee affirmed: Lai Chau province is always ready to accompany investors to solve difficulties and problems, create maximum conditions for businesses, investors approach the province’s policies on supporting the development of agriculture, industry and services.

VIETNAM DX DAY 2021

On Thursday, 2nd December 2021, The Netherlands Vietnam Horticulture Business Platform (NVHBP) has assisted Vietnam Software and IT Services Association  (VINASA) to successfully organized Seminar 7 – Digital Transformation in Agriculture under Vietnam Digital Transformation Summit 2021. (www.dxsummit.vn).

The seminar was opened by Mr. Dang Duy Hien Deputy Chief of the office Ministry of Agriculture and Rural development, and followed by 5 presentations:

  • Report on demand and the reality of applying technology in Agriculture in Vietnam – By Mr. Dao The Anh Deputy Director of Vietnam Academy of Agriculture Sciences (vaas.org.vn)
  • Sharing experiences in applying digital technology in agriculture of the Netherlands and cooperation with Vietnamese agriculture in recent time – By Mr. Willem Schoustra Counselor of Dutch Agriculture in Vietnam.
  • Digital Agriculture ecosystem by VNPT – By Mr. Hoang Thang Smart Agriculture Products Development, VNPT.
  • Introduction on Digital Transformation solutions in Agriculture – By Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuc Member of Executive Committee of Vietnam Digital agriculture Association (VIDA).
  • Case study: Digital Transformation in improving efficiency in Agricultural production and business – By Mr. Vu Van Van – Managing Director of OTANICS Company (Member of Minh Phu Seafood Group).

There were around 200 audiences from different provinces of Vietnam, with exciting and fruitful Q&A session.

EMBASSY OF VIETNAM IN THE NETHERLANDS ORGANIZED THE ONLINE CONFERENCE “CONNECTING BUSINESS WITH GIA LAI: EVFTA AND EVIPA”

In order to implement the diplomatic plan to support the economy, on November 25, 2021, the Vietnamese Embassy in the Netherlands coordinated with the People’s Committee of Gia Lai province to organize a webinar “Connecting business with Gia Lai: taking advantage of EVFTA and preparing for EVIPA”.

The workshop aims to introduce the strengths and capabilities of enterprises in the province and call for Dutch partners to invest and connect with Gia Lai. The seminar was held at two main locations, the Vietnamese Embassy in the Netherlands and the People’s Committee of Gia Lai province, which attracted more than 100 participants including trade promotion organizations, farming organizations, and other organizations. consultants, NGOs, Dutch enterprises, and Gia Lai’s organizations, enterprises, cooperatives and many reporters attended.

Gia Lai is the second largest province of Vietnam with a lot of potential in agriculture, human resources and many successful businesses. Gia Lai needs to call for more participation of foreign investors to take advantage of capital, technology and experience in organizing modern production. Meanwhile, the strengths of the Netherlands are very suitable for Gia Lai to absorb and learn. With an area and population equal to that of the Cuu Long River Delta and only 2% of the labor force engaged in agriculture, the Netherlands managed to exports agricultural products, ranking second in the world (after the US), thanks to the application of high-precision technology, resource optimization and environmental sustainability.

In the opening speech, Ambassador Pham Viet Anh emphasized: Development is one of the great tasks of Vietnam’s diplomatic service. Today’s event connecting businesses between Gia Lai and the Netherlands is an activity to serve the development of Vietnam in general and Gia Lai in particular. The Ambassador believed that there would be a lot of potential for cooperation between Gia Lai and Dutch investors, bringing prosperity and environmentally sustainable production models to the province. The prospect of cooperation will be even more favorable thanks to the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) taking effect from August 2020, removing many tax barriers, and the EU Investment Protection Agreement. -Vietnam (EVIPA) is in the process of completing procedures, which will open up more sustainable opportunities for both sides.

Mr. Ho Phuoc Thanh, Vice Chairman of Gia Lai Provincial People’s Committee gave a speech highlighting the potentials and strengths of Gia Lai, sharing incentives and calling on Dutch investors to participate in 5 main areas: i) Forming hi-tech agricultural zones; (ii) Producing and processing high quality flowers, vegetables and fruits; (iii) Production and processing of specialty agricultural products of Gia Lai province; (iv) High-tech animal husbandry; (v) Planting medicinal herbs under the forest canopy. Typical enterprises such as Vinh Hiep, Hoang Anh Gia Lai, Doveco, Truong Sinh, and VOS presented their achievements and invited business connections.

On the Dutch side, partners such as PUM Professionals Association, Agriterra Cooperative Alliance, Dutch Business Association in Vietnam, Netherlands Vietnam Horticulture Business Platform, Vietnam Dutch Chamber of Commerce , De Heus company, Nedspices company participated in speaking and answering questions. Dutch partners highly appreciate the potentials and strengths of Gia Lai as well as typical enterprises of the province. Many partners wish to visit and work in Gia Lai when international flights are reopened and asked for information on some large enterprises of the province. With this workshop, the two sides have had a good start to open up more cooperation opportunities.

 

 

 

Visit bell pepper farm Lam Ha, Lam Dong – Advice by Rijk Zwaan

🎥 🎥Visit bell pepper farm Lam Ha, Lam Dong – Advice by Rijk Zwaan how to increase productivity

📌Rijk Zwaan Việt Nam:
E-mail: verkoop. vietnam @rijkzwaan. vn

SAVE THE DATE: WEBINAR DOING BUSINESS WITH GIA LAI

The Embassy of Viet Nam in the Netherlands warmly welcomes all partners and businesses to attend the Webinar ” Doing Business with Gia Lai: Leveraging on EVFTA and Anticipating EVIPA”, co-hosted by the Embassy and the People’s Committee of Gia Lai

Time: 9.30 on November 25, 2021 (Dutch time)
equivalent to 15:30 pm on 25/11/2021 (Vietnam time)
Meeting Platform: Online

This webinar will show case the potentials of Gia Lai Province, the second largest province of Viet Nam with many potentials for Horticulture, Husbandry and Food Processing& Export. It aims to call for investments and Gia Lai will share some practical project offers for business partners to consider, focusing on:
  • Creating high-tech agricultural zones.
  • Producing and processing high-quality flowers, vegetables and fruits.
  • Sustainable production and processing of special agricultural products of Gia Lai province
  • High-tech husbandry
  • Planting medicinal herbs under the forest canopy.
It also aim to be the first steps for bussiness matching between Gia Lai and Netherlands.
Key speakers will the the Ambassador of Viet Nam to the Netherlands, Leader of Gia Lai Province, PUM, Agriterra, De Heus, Hoang Anh Gia Lai, Vinh Hiep Coffee, Doveco…

Key Partners and participants are: Nlinbussiness, NVCC, PUM, Agriterra, Netherlands- Vietnam Horticulture Platform, Nedspice, Top Sector of Agrifood, Top Sector of Horticulture, DBAV, Kenlog, Signify, business associations and cooperatives in Gia Lai

Registration link is now open at: bit.ly/gialai112021

We cordially invite you to participate and ask questions