Promoting the agricultural cooperation with Africa

The Vice Chairman of Dong Nai Provincial People's Committee Vo Van Phi chaired at the connecting point of Dong Nai Province to participate in the webinar. Photo by P.A.

Vietnam and African countries having a traditional friendly cooperative relationship, a multifaceted cooperation relationship has developed quite positively, especially in the field of agriculture. Specifically, Vietnam has signed 26 agricultural cooperation agreements with many African countries in order to create a favorable legal corridor for agricultural cooperation activities with the region. In particular, more than 400 experts from Vietnam have been sent to support the agricultural development in many African countries in order to implement the pilot projects, etc. contributing to increasing the productivity of rice, vegetables, aquaculture; and at the same time, the friendship between Vietnam and African friends is also strengthened. 

Vietnam's agricultural and aquatic products exported to Africa are mainly rice, coffee, pepper, tea, pangasius, shrimp, catfish, canned tuna, etc. Vietnam also imports many African agricultural products such as cotton, wood, raw cashew nuts, etc. which play an increasingly important role in the processing industry, serving the needs of domestic consumption and export of Vietnam.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son affirmed that trade exchange in agricultural products between Vietnam and African countries has achieved many positive steps. The exchanged items are also increasingly diversified, so the two-way trade turnover is steadily increased over the years. In 2020, the trade in agricultural products will reach US$3.1 billion, accounting for about 45% of Vietnam's total import and export turnover with Africa. In the coming time, Vietnam will promote connectivity, import and export of key agricultural, forestry and fishery products to Africa and vice versa. Vietnam and Africa will set up the information centers and build many successful cooperation and sharing models in the field of agriculture. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will actively participate in removing difficulties, promoting the negotiation and signing of agricultural cooperation agreements in order to create favorable conditions and improve the efficiency of cooperation between Vietnam and Africa towards ensuring long-term benefits and sustainable development; at the same time, it contributes to the development and international integration of the country.

Phan Anh