VIETNAM BUSINESS SUMMIT Digitized Vietnam: Toward Resilient Responsive and Sustainable development

Date: 12 November, 2020

Venue: Daewoo Hotel, Hanoi

Panel discussion 3: Fruitful cooperation in innovative agriculture to contribute to global food security.

Discussion topics:  During the current Covid-19 pandemic, food security is increasingly a major concern for many countries around the world. As one of leading exporters of various agricultural produces in the world, where should Vietnam focus to increase value and output of its agricultural products?

Moderator: Mr. Nguyen Do Anh Tuan, Director General of  International Cooperation Department,  Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

Speaker: Global demand for food: Opportunities and challenges for Vietnam agricultural products – Mr. Nguyen Song Ha, Assistant of FAO Representative (presentation file)

Discussions:

  • Differentiation strategy in the agricultural production and trade – Mr. Vo Quan Huy, Director of Huy Long An My Binh ltd. Company.
  • Application of scientific and technological advances in agriculture – Mr. Tran Huu Quyen, Chairman of VNPT Technology
  • Best practice of joint-cooperation in innovative agriculture – Ms. Mai Thi Hong, Vietnam Coordinator of The Netherlands Vietnam Horti Business Platform. (presentation file)

Launching the Center for Agricultural Innovation (Agrinnovation)

On Friday, 20-11-2020, the Center for Agricultural Innovation (Agrinnovation) has been launched under Decision No. 830 / QD-HVN of the Director of the Vietnam National University of Agriculture, aiming to effectively exploit science and technology resources through developing new – high-value-interdisciplinary-technology research directions – integrating with 4.0 technology and co-creating with businesses to create new values social service.

Agrinnovation is a place for research teams and experts to carry out specific international research and cooperation activities, to contribute scientifically and to policy advice on issues related to sustainable development, research, and development. Research strategy and build an organizational network.

Activites are included:

  • Building creative space
  • Promote agriculture technology transfer and trade
  • Developing multi-sectorative research developments, bringing strategies.

For further details of the Centre, kindly visit: http://agrinnovation.vn/?lang=en

Webinar Cooperation Da Nang and the Netherlands in the field of high-tech agriculture

Webinar Cooperation Da Nang and the Netherlands in the field of high-tech agriculture

Draft program

Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Time: 09:30–11:15 (Amsterdam time, GMT+2, winter)

15:30-17:15 (Vietnam time, GMT+7)

Venue: Online (Webex)/ Meeting room 2, 2nd floor, Administration Center)

Organisers: People’s Committee  of Da Nang City, Vietnam Embassy in the Netherlands and Netherlands Vietnam Horti Business Platform

Representatives Da Nang: representative leaders of departments: Agriculture and Rural Development, Foreign Affairs, Industry and Trade, Science and Technology; People’s Committee of Hoa Vang district; Investment Promotion and Support Department; City Farmers Association; City Cooperatives Alliance. And some agricultural production enterprises in the city.

Moderator: Mrs. Ho Hoai Ha and Mr. Joost Vrancken Peeters (Chairman Netherlands-Vietnam Chamber of Commerce)
09:15–09:30

(15:15-15:30)

Open meeting room
09:30-09:35

(15:30-15:35)

Opening remarks

Mr. Pham Viet Anh, Vietnam’s Ambassador to the Netherlands

09:35-09:40

(15:35-15:40)

Opening remarks

Vice Chairman of Danang People’s Committee

09:40–09:45

(15:40-15:45)

Opening remarks

Willem Schoustra, Agricultural Counselor (to be confirmed)

09:45–09:55

(15:45-15:50)

Introduction to Da Nang’s high-tech agriculture

Representative leader of department of Agriculture and Rural Development

09:55–10:05

(15:55-16:05)

Introduction to the Dutch horticulture sector and NVHBP

Mirjam Boekestijn, Board Member NVHBP

 

10:05–10:15

(16:05-16:15)

From passive to active greenhouse – Five quick wins for a more profitable business

Arjen Janmaat/Jan Hoogewoning,

Ridder Growing Solutions

 

10:15–10:25

(16:15-16:25)

Insight in Horticulture

“How Eurofins testing supports optimal horticulture”

Theo Aanhane, Eurofins Agro

10:25–10:35

(16:25-16:35)

Q&A

Moderator in Da Nang

Moderator, Joost Vrancken Peeters

10:35–10:45

(16:35-16:45)

Developing the Vietnamese vegetable market through introduction and promotion of high quality varieties as well as modern horticulture technical transfer

Ms Trần Thị Huệ, Rijk Zwaan Vietnam

 

10:45–10:55

(16:35-16:45)

Mushroom cultivation

Mr Mark den Ouden/Mr Thed Vestjens, Mushroom Office

10:55–11:05

(16:55-17:05)

Flower cultivation

Paul Onings, Onings Holland

 

 

11:05–11:15

(17:05-17:15)

Q&A and Closing

Moderator in Da Nang

Moderator, Joost Vrancken Peeters

 

If you would like to join send an email to: info@nvhortiplatform.com

Workshop “Promoting technology transfer for flower production in Vietnam”

On the morning of October 30, at the Vietnam Academy of Agriculture, a workshop on “Promoting technology transfer for the flower production industry in Vietnam” took place. This activity is part of a series of events on the occasion of the Technology Connection and Innovation Week in 2020 (from October 30 to November 2) organized by the Ministry of Science & Technology in Hanoi.

Opening the seminar, Mr. Pham Duc Nghiem – Deputy Director of the Department of Market Development and Science and Technology Enterprises emphasized: “The seminar is a bridge to promote cooperation, association and technology transfer between research institutes, University with enterprises, production and business cooperatives in the development of flower production in Vietnam.”

Picture 2. Dr. Nguyen Van Tỉnh, Director of the Center for Flower and Bonsai Research and Development, presented the current situation, potential and development orientation of the flower industry in Vietnam.

Picture 3. Ms. Mai Hong, General Director of Thien Dieu Production & Trading Joint Stock Company shared some information about the flower production industry in the Netherlands, opportunities for cooperation in the development of flower production in Vietnam

Picture 4. Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Quang, Strategic Director of Weather Plus Company, presented the Plan to upgrade green farm services, helping to connect stakeholders in the flower business industry in Vietnam

Picture 5, Sharing its model, APPA GROUP – one of the pioneers in completely mastering and taking control of the technology, applying the achievements of the Industry 4.0 revolution in agricultural production, Engineer Pham Huu Viet APPA GROUP, said, providing comprehensive solutions such as irrigation infrastructure, instrumentation sensor and central processor. The hotel uses software on mobile phones to control hardware devices.

Picture 7, Dr. Dang Quang Bich, Project Manager of flower production project applying high technology at Chau Giang Joint Stock Company (Hai Phong) presented the results and lessons learned in the association between managers and scientists. and an enterprise in flower production applying high technology at Chau Giang Joint Stock Company

At the seminar, the signing ceremony of technology transfer contracts between the Fruit and Vegetable Research Institute also took place with the following units and businesses:

Technology transfer signing agreement between Fruit and Vegetable Research Institute and Thien Truong 36 Co., Ltd..

Signed a contract to provide the flower production management software package between three parties: Fruit and Vegetable Research Institute, Appa Group International Trade & Technology Joint Stock Company and representatives of Moc Chau flower production group.

Signed a cooperation contract to build a doctor software program for flowers between the Institute of Vegetable and Fruit and Vegetable Research Corporation and Weather Plus Company.

Opening of “Technology Connection and Innovation Week 2020”

On the morning of October 31, 2020, the Week of Connecting Technology and Innovation in 2020 officially opened. This is a program organized by the Ministry of Science and Technology in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development at the Vietnam University of Agriculture (VNUA). The event aims to introduce, promote, connect, transfer technology, promote the development of the science and technology market, expand cooperation between research institutes, universities, businesses, and bring science public. technology into practice in service of production and socio-economic development. 

Attending the opening ceremony of the Technology Connection and Innovation Week in 2020 were Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan; Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Tran Van Tung; Mr. Nguyen Xuan Dinh – Vice Chairman of Vietnam Farmers Association; Mr. Chu Hong Ha – Vice President of Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology; Mr. Pham Bao Son – Deputy Director of Hanoi National University.

 

On the side of Vietnam Academy of Agriculture, there was Professor.TS. Nguyen Thi Lan – Secretary of the Party Committee, Director of the Academy; Prof.Dr. Tran Duc Vien – President of Academy Council with more than 500 representatives from Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Vietnam Cooperative Union, Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Vietnam Academy of Agriculture, Embassies of several countries in Hanoi, leaders of provinces / cities nationwide, research institutes, universities, associations, joint ventures industry, scientists and exhibitors at the event.

Overview of the ceremony

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Tran Van Tung shared that taking business as the center of the national innovation system is a favorable legal environment and supporting businesses in the process of production and business, creating favorable conditions for creative transfer and innovation activities in enterprises. Startup activities and investment in innovative startups are the orientations and policies of the Party and State over the years, which have been concretized into many programs and actions.

Not only is the activity of national stature in science and technology, through the main activities at the Week, it shows the importance and urgency in the panorama of technology connecting activities and innovation in Vietnam. The Week of Technology Connection and Innovation 2020 contributes significantly to promoting technology application, transfer and innovation in businesses and local organizations, thereby contributing to the implementation of Government resolutions on improving the goods competitiveness of enterprises, creating conditions for scientists to apply their results to production and business, and contribute to practical socio-economic development. .

On behalf of the leaders of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Deputy Minister Tran Van Tung expressed his thanks to the attention of the Party and State leaders, the effective coordination of ministries, departments, central and local branches in connecting supply and demand of technology and innovation. At the same time, he also praised the active participation of enterprises, scientists, young start-ups and experts throughout the country to enhance scientific research, technology transfer and innovation.

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Tran Van Tung delivers the opening speech at the ceremony

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan expressed his thanks to the presence of businesses, scientists, representatives of organizations participating in the Technology Connection and Innovation 2020.

In the context of Vietnam’s extensive economic integration, besides the advantages, there are also many great difficulties and challenges. Typically in 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted the global import and export, directly affecting the production, import and consumption of agricultural products. African swine fever has decreased but has not been completely controlled, making it difficult to re-herd and increase herd. Climate change causes droughts in all 3 regions, surface intrusion in the Mekong Delta, heavy rains, and widespread floods in many areas in the Central region. In addition, the market for many agricultural products tends to decrease due to the impact of the trade war of major economies.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan made a welcome speech at the opening ceremony

The Deputy Minister said that in order to continue affirming the great role of science and technology, innovation in the development of agriculture and rural development should focus on well performing the following tasks:

Firstly, proactively, timely and effectively grapsing opportunities from the achievements of the industrial revolution 4.0 associated with international integration to restructure the economy, develop the digital economy, the communal assembly; improve productivity, quality, efficiency and competitiveness. Develop training programs, raise awareness in the education system, research facilities on science and technology application and innovation, control the knowledge economy globally.

Secondly, perfecting institutions and legal policies in line with the international market mechanism and technology to develop a scientific economy in Vietnam, develop science and technology and innovate for businesses. Focus on developing national products based on new technologies, high technologies, building new industries, new varieties, creating high added value and competitive advantage in Vietnam.

Third, complete the system of policies to encourage and promote innovation in the corporate sector and public services, especially start-ups, innovation and technological innovation in production and business. and public service.

Fourth, strongly implement the national digital transformation project, promote state agencies, universities, research institutes and enterprises to develop on digital platforms. Develop and apply vigorously high technologies, especially digital technologies in the trend of the fourth industrial revolution. Apply high technology, digital technology and smart technology to promote agricultural development in Vietnam.

Fifth, encourage and promote enterprises to develop innovative business models, think about marketization, and the science and technology market to facilitate competition, and mobilize the participation of all business sectors.

Mr. Andrew Barnes – Australian Deputy Ambassador to Vietnam expressed his honor to join the Technology Connection and Innovation Week 2020

Representing the embassies in the opening ceremony, Mr. Andrew Barnes – Deputy Ambassador of Australia to Vietnam expressed his honor to participate in the Technology Connection and Innovation Week 2020. According to Mr. Andrew Barnes Barnes, Vietnam and Australia all benefit from the good commercial relationship in agriculture. Australian consumers love and consume more and more high quality products from Vietnam such as fruits, cashew nuts and coffee. In addition, Australia’s live cattle, cotton, wheat and barley are also the input materials for Vietnam’s agricultural value chain and Vietnam is Australia’s largest source of shrimp imports.

Australia is also working closely with Vietnam in policy research, tools and recommendations for research on trends and scenarios for Vietnam’s digital economic future; developing a model to measure the impact of technology on productivity and growth; promote the application of artificial intelligence technology through hosting application technology forums and supporting the formulation of R&D strategies; consulting the national science and technology innovation strategy for the next 10 years.

Mr. Tran Manh Bao – Chairman of ThaiBinh Seed Group Joint Stock Company speaking at the ceremony

Representing the business, Mr. Tran Manh Bao – Chairman of ThaiBinh Seed Group Joint Stock Company expressed his honor to attend the Opening Ceremony of Technology Connection and Innovation Week 2020 by the Ministry of Science and Technology. coordinated with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to organize at Vietnam Academy of Agriculture.

Established in 1972, up to now, ThaiBinh Seed is one of the leading enterprises in promoting scientific research and applying research achievements in production. According to Bao, ThaiBinh Seed has built a development strategy based on three main pillars: “Quality human resources”, “Science and technology” and “Cooperation”. In this strategy the human role comes first; Science and technology are the foundation of the development strategy; “Cooperation” is a condition for the development of science and technology.

Mr. Bao shared that, in order to apply science and technology to effective operations, in addition to focusing on human resources, the company also actively integrates and international cooperation. In 2002, ThaiBinh Seed joined the Asia Pacific Seed Association (APSA). Currently, ThaiBinh Seed has cooperative relations with specialized institutes in the country and many research institutes, universities and foreign enterprises.

Deputy Minister Le Minh Hoan and Deputy Minister Tran Van Tung awarded medals and certificates to businesses with achievements in technology innovation and technology commercialization in 2020.

Prof.Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan – Secretary of Party Committee, Director of Vietnam Academy of Agriculture signed the cooperation in scientific research, technology transfer and training activities with a number of enterprises and organizations.

Ribbon cutting ceremony to open the Week of Technology Connection and Innovation in 2020

The Week of Connecting Technologies and Innovation in 2020 will have the participation of more than 200 booths with more than 1,000 technologies demonstrated by research institutes, universities, organizations, enterprises, scientists, domestic inventors and international organizations, units, and enterprises operating in Vietnam, focusing on technology areas such as mechanical engineering in agriculture, post-harvest processing and preservation, agriculture high technology, environmental treatment, new energy, renewable energy, information technology, medicine …

In particular, the event is a place to introduce, promote, connect, transfer technology, promote the development of the science and technology market, expand cooperation between research institutes, universities, and enterprises. science, technology and innovation into practice in service of production and business, socio-economic development.

Delegates visiting the booths

VNUA

Connecting scientists with cooperatives and small businesses

The formation and promotion of cooperatives and enterprises and research institutes to actively participate in the Innovation Club will help cooperatives and enterprises sharing, receiving, applying and actively innovating & creating products, useful solutions, then continuously developing forward…

On October 6, at the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences (VAAS), the launching ceremony of the Innovation Club for cooperatives and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the horticulture industry (HCIC) was held, attracting the participation of a large number of cooperatives and small businesses coming from many different provinces.

This event was organized by VAAS in collaboration with the Aus4Innovation Program – The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).

The value is not high due to the low scientific content

Assoc.Prof.Dr. Dao The Anh, Vice President of VAAS, shared that at present, many cooperatives and enterprises have voluntarily formed an agricultural production chain. They have realized that developing value chains will help improve market access, increase product value, thereby minimizing the “emergency rescue” scenario of agricultural products.

However, most of the agricultural product chains still operate with low efficiency due to high transaction costs, low processing technology, and not applying scientific and technical advances to production.

“Cooperatives and small businesses are facing many difficulties and challenges when investing in horticulture production. That is, there is no synchronous infrastructure system, lack of major hubs to sell and introduce products. Information technology has not been effectively applied in the production process. There has not been a close connection between cooperatives and scientists for scientists to research varieties and production technical progress according to the orders of cooperatives ”, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dao The Anh said.

Ms. Tran Huong Giang, Scientific commercialization cooperation manager under the Australian Embassy A4Innovation Program, said that A4Innovation aims to support and promote innovation connections in Vietnam. The A4Innovation Program with a budget of AU $ 11 million, funded by a non-refundable fund, will be implemented from 2018 to 2022. Project partners include: Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam, Research Organization Australian studies and industry, Vietnamese and Australian research institutes and universities.

Before launching in Vietnam, an Innovation Program in manufacturing industry was also launched in Australia. Since September 2014 up to now, there have been 1,375 businesses in Australia using 1,412 services to promote innovation and connection. Before joining the program, 86% of firms said they had never worked with researching and that they urgently needed to develop industry relationships. Up to now, 94% of participating businesses said that they were satisfied with the results of the project, they have been connected with research institutes, scientists to be transferred to technical advances.

The horticulture industry has great potential for innovation

Assoc.Prof.Dr. Dang Van Dong, Deputy Director of the Fruit and Vegetable Research Institute (under VAAS), said that the fruit and vegetable sector currently accounts for 12% of the output value (in monetary terms) and 10% of annual export value . Vietnam has exported fruit and vegetable products to nearly 60 countries around the world, with export turnover in 2019 reaching approximately 4 billion USD and continuously increasing, the following year being 10-20% higher than the previous year. Vietnam has joined many bilateral and multilateral trade agreements to help Vietnamese vegetables and fruits be sold more widely in the international market.

The fruit and vegetable industry accounts for 8% of the cultivated area of ​​agricultural crops, but creates jobs for 18% of workers in agriculture, about 4 million people with high and stable incomes. Vietnam has very rich plant genetic resources, from which it is possible to select many varieties and varieties of specialty fruit trees, vegetables and flowers that are not available in other countries and territories.

Many fruit and vegetable products of Vietnam have built geographical indications and have reputable brands in domestic and international markets. Vietnam has had a policy to allow the conversion of inefficient rice production areas to the production of highly economically efficient crops, thus facilitating the development of concentrated fruit and vegetable production areas. Supply of raw materials for fresh export or export processing.

In recent years, many scientific and technical advances have been transferred to cooperatives and small businesses producing vegetables, such as: grafting young fruits for pomelo branches; pruning branches for longan flowers; additional pollination for the plant; pods for fruit trees; growing vegetables in membrane houses; growing sprouts; hydroponic vegetable cultivation; growing melon without using land; growing vegetables with pasline arrays; using tissue culture technology; control system of temperature, humidity for flowers …

Mr. Dong said that many technical advances in scientific research institutes are very promising to transfer to cooperatives and small businesses. Especially the application of information technology in operating, managing production and selling products.

“Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen cooperation links between cooperatives with managers, scientists, enterprises to create product value chains. The formation and promotion of cooperatives and enterprises, research institutes actively participating in HCIC will help cooperatives and businesses always share, receive, apply and actively innovate and create products, useful solutions, thereby constantly developing “, Mr. Dong emphasized.

Dr. Hoang Thanh Tung, VAAS representative said, HCIC was established to connect scientific researchers with cooperatives and SMEs in order to make policies to support investment in start-ups and public transfers. new technology in the fruit and vegetable industry. Thereby, creating a forum to share information about new technologies, opportunities for cooperation, business, commercialization of new technologies, and enhance the competitiveness of members. The club also aims to create a database of innovative technologies and facilitate the transfer and commercialization of new technologies for club members.

HCIC is organized and operates on the principles of voluntary, autonomous, self-balancing, and compliance with the laws of the State; respect for the rights and legitimate interests of club members.

Written by Chu Khôi

Webinar – Great opportunities for fruit and vegetable importers after EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement

The EVFTA (EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement) came into effect on 1 August 2020. The Vietnamese Embassy is therefore organizing a webinar and matchmaking activity on September 29, 2020 to draw attention to the export opportunities for Vietnamese fruit and vegetables within the Dutch fresh produce trade. We asked Mr. Nguyen Hai Tinh of the Trade Office of the Vietnamese Embassy in the Netherlands some questions about the potential of Vietnamese fruit and vegetables on the Dutch market. “Thanks to the EVFTA, the import tax of 94% of Vietnamese fruit and vegetables was immediately reduced to 0% as of August 1, which increases the competitiveness of European fruit and vegetable trading companies when they import from Vietnam!”

When asked about the advantage of trading with Vietnam compared to other Asian countries, Hai Tinh Nguyen replies that, in addition to the reduction of the import tax to 0%, the horticulture and fruit tree industry is one of the most promising pillars of the Vietnamese economy. “According to experts, Vietnam has the potential to become one of the major fruit exporters for the EU and the world. Vietnam has an area of ​​more than 1 million hectares of fruit trees. In total, the country harvests more than 11 million tons of fruit.”

“Vietnamese growers are increasingly applying cultivation to food safety and hygiene, according to GlobalGAP standards. Exporters know how to improve the technology of preserving fruit and vegetables for export to distant markets such as the EU and the US. Vietnamese vegetables in particular and fruits have a typical taste and a unique taste compared to other countries in the region, “continued Mr Hai Tinh Nguyen.

According to him, the following 13 Vietnamese fruit and vegetable products are very interesting for export.

  • Dragon fruit (55,419 hectares), of which almost 50,000 hectares are harvested. Total harvest 1,100,000 tons. Export in fresh fruit, dried slices or square pieces.
  • Mango (acreage of approximately 100,000 hectares in South Vietnam with a production of almost 900,000 tons). 13th mango producer in the world. Export fresh, dried and preserved.
  • Longan (70,000 hectares, evenly distributed over South and North Vietnam). Production of 700,000 tons per year. Export of both fresh and dried longan.
  • Pomelo (44,000 hectares / production 370,000 tons). Production mainly in South Vietnam. The most famous variety is the Da Xanh pomelo. Export fresh, peeled and frozen.
  • Rambutan (24,000 hectares, 150,000 tons per year). Cultivation in South Vietnam. Export fresh, canned and frozen.
  • Mangosteen (7,200 hectares / 31,000 tons per year). Grows mainly in South Vietnam. Export for the fresh market
  • Jackfruit (17,000 hectares / 290,000 tons per year). Export fresh and dried.
  • Sterappel (4,700 hectares / 48,000 tons per year). Cultivation in South Vietnam. Export fresh (with air freight) and frozen (via sea freight).
  • Lychee (60,000 hectares / 350,000 tons per year). Cultivation in North Vietnam. Third producer in the world. Export fresh, preserved, frozen and dried.
  • Passion fruit (10,000 hectares / 500,000 tons per year). Export fresh, juice, frozen)
  • Coconut (175,000 hectares). 7th place out of 93 producing countries in the world. Export freshly peeled, canned, coconut water, grated.)
  • Pineapple (40,000 hectares / 500,000 tons per year). 10th producer in the world. Export fresh, canned, frozen and in pieces).
  • Lemons (23,000 hectares / 290,000 tons per year). Grows mainly in South Vietnam. Export mainly for fresh market.
  • Purple sweet potatoes: 300,000 tons per year.

Webinar 

The webinar consists of two parts.

First of all, there is an information section, in which fruit and vegetable importers are informed about the opportunities of Vietnamese fruit and vegetables by government officials, the Dutch embassy, ​​the Dutch business association in Vietnam and the Vietnam Logistics Association. This includes the EVFTA benefits, the fruit and vegetable sector in Vietnam, practical tips about doing business in Vietnam, the bilateral strategic cooperation in the field of sustainable agriculture and food security, the transport route between the Vietnamese (air) ports and the port of Rotterdam and Schiphol etc. Through the webinar, companies are introduced to the Vietnamese business environment and practical experiences of the Dutch Business Association in Vietnam, which offers support to Dutch companies that do business in Vietnam. There is also plenty of time to ask questions to the experts and officials present.

The second part of the program consists of a matchmaking where fruit and vegetable importers can meet reliable fruit and vegetable suppliers and processors, organized by the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency. Each Dutch importer has the opportunity to meet at least three Vietnamese suppliers / exporters separately online. The names and contacts of the importers are stored by Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency and can be promoted to the Vietnamese companies if desired.

Click here for entire program

Click here for applying

Promotion of supply and demand of Eco-Fair Agri-food processing products in Vietnam

The project “Promotion of supply and demand of Eco-Fair Agri-food processing products in Vietnam” (Eco-fair), funded by the European Union (EU), began to implement from April 2020. Center for Sustainability Study and Consultancy (CCS)-the member of Netherlands Vietnam Horti Business Platform together with partners including Vietnam Rural Industries Research and Development Institute (VIRI)-project leader, Vietnam Cleaner Production Centre (VNCPC) and Funzilife Ltd. (Finland) will implement this project in 3 years from 2020 to 2023.

The overall objective of the project is to promote sustainable production and consumption of eco-equitable agricultural product processing in Vietnam, contributing to poverty reduction and sustainable livelihood development, towards the green economy, recirculating economy, reducing carbon emissions, improving resource efficiency in Vietnam.

Regarding specific objectives, the project helps:

– Enhancing the capacity of small and micro enterprises (MSMEs) to implement sustainabe production practices and product innovation in the food supply chain;

– Raising awareness of the majority of consumers about lifestyles, sustainable consumption, building networks to promote the implementation of eco-fair labels;

– Using technology platforms to build a network of retailers- eco-fair products;

– Strengthening the capacity of MSMEs to develop products in an eco-equitable manner to facilitate access to financial resources;

– Supporting policy development on fair production and consumption of eco-products in Asia.

The project is now building an online learning course for 1000 MSMEs in cashew nut, rice, fresh fruit and vegetables sub-sectors based on existing expert content in sustainable product innovation and production practices.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact us: Center for Creativity Sustainability Study and Consultancy (CCS), Tel: 02462605318 or email to: programme.ecofair.2020@gmail.com

Courtesy meeting new Vietnamese ambassador in The Netherlands

Monday 24th of August, the Dutch members of the platform were invited by the Vietnamese Embassy for a courtesy meeting with the new ambassador Mr. Pham Viet Anh. The members had the opportunity to introduce their companies and to inform the new ambassador about the platform. In the meeting they discussed how to continue and strengthen their cooperation in order to bring the Vietnamese horticultural sector to the next level. What is the need of the Vietnamese horticultural sector and how could the platform contribute to this.

Join Ken Tran of Koidra in the Autonomous Greenhouse Forum

Date: Thursday, September 10, 2020
Time: Starting at 12PM Eastern
Place: Zoom (hosted by OSU)
RSVP: Please pre-register, click here

Autonomous greenhouse is an application of artificial intelligence (AI) in CEA but will become critical for our future development of CEA technologies (including applications to low tech and high tech CEA).

Please sign up if you would like to join the conversation. This will be the first step to build a community to identify R&D needs through industry-academic collaborations.