Signing ceremony to open Vietnamese lemon and pomelo export market to New Zealand – Photo: T. QUAN
On the afternoon of November 15, Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture, Biosecurity, Land Information and Rural Affairs held a Connecting Agriculture event in Hanoi during New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s visit to Vietnam.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said agriculture is not only a vital sector of the economy, but also part of the cultural identity of both countries. In New Zealand, farmers are the backbone of the economy. It is therefore not surprising that agriculture has been the cornerstone of relations between the two countries since the establishment of diplomatic relations more than 45 years ago.
“I am very proud of the cooperation between the two countries in the effective implementation of high food safety standards, which are so important for a sustainable global food system.
I am also proud of the development cooperation on dam safety and the entire development cooperation program of the two countries, which helps to bring commercial efficiency, resilience and sustainability to the country’s farmers, rural communities and ethnic minorities. communities” – stressed Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern also expressed delight at New Zealand’s commitment to building a trading system that benefits everyone and furthering its role as an exporter of high-quality, safe and sustainable food, sustainable for the world. However, New Zealand is not alone in this and regards Vietnam as an important partner in this mission.
“The agriculture of the two countries is at the forefront of trends shaping the future of food production. This event marks a historic milestone in a fruitful and mutually beneficial relationship. Today is the day. This is where we launch our agricultural partnership for the next century,” said Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Le Minh Hoan stressed that agricultural cooperation is an important pillar in the cooperation relationship between Vietnam and New Zealand. Vietnam appreciates New Zealand’s interest in the agricultural sector, focusing on knowledge and technology transfer in the field of market development for agricultural products, high-quality plant varieties, animal quarantine, plants…
According to Minister Le Minh Hoan, the trade turnover of agriculture, forestry and fisheries between the two countries will reach nearly USD 550 million by 2021, accounting for 41% of the total bilateral trade turnover. The two sides signed an agreement in July 2020 to facilitate the clearance of agricultural, forestry and fishery products through the use of electronic certificates.
Currently, the working groups of the two countries are taking steps to test the electronic certification system. At the same time, promote procedures for opening up the market for agricultural products.
Minister Le Minh Hoan expressed the hope that Vietnamese and New Zealand companies would collaborate in building and developing high-tech agricultural value chains, promoting connectivity between the two countries and with the global market.
With the message “Guide, Create, Develop” and “Our Potential – Your Opportunity”, Vietnam’s agricultural industry will create favorable conditions for New Zealand companies to invest and do business successfully, publicly, sustainably and closely connected, in the long term term.
“The path of our cooperation going forward will be even more open with this visit from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. There may be difficulties in the path of cooperation, but if there is a will to unite the leaders between the two leaders, there will be difficulties in the path of cooperation. We are confident that we will succeed,” said Minister Le Minh Hoan.
A signing ceremony was held at the ceremony to open the export market of Vietnamese lemons and pomelos to New Zealand, strengthen cooperation between New Zealand and Vietnam in the horticultural sector, and sign a Memorandum of Understanding on Preferential Agreements. The first collaboration between TH Truemilk of Vietnam and Waikato Milking Systems of New Zealand.
Source: CafeBiz