Belgium boosts agricultural cooperation with Vietnam

Belgian Federal Minister for Agriculture Denis Ducarme is on a visit to Vietnam to promote agricultural cooperation between the two countries, according to the Embassy of Belgium in Vietnam.

During his visit from January 31 to February 2, Ducarme will meet with his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Xuan Cuong to discuss bilateral ties in agriculture and set out avenues for more fruitful cooperation in the future.

Belgium and Vietnam have a long tradition of cooperation in the sector and Belgian funding has helped Vietnam develop its dairy and aquaculture sectors. Particularly, an academic cooperation program worth 12 million euros was launched last year.

Both ministers will also witness a signing ceremony between Solvay Group and PetroVietnam to develop high performing fertilizers that are less detrimental to water and soil.

Ducarme will also meet with Belgian small and medium enterprises operating in Vietnam and the Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce (Beluxcham), and visit the chocolate processing factory of Puratos Grand-Place in Bac Ninh Province to further understand the activities of these enterprises in Vietnam.

Puratos Grand-Place has been awarded a 1.25-million-euro credit by the Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries to expand its operation in Vietnam.

The Belgian Federal Minister for Agriculture will then visit the Vietnam National University of Agriculture. The local university has cooperated with the Belgian University of Liège to boost academic performance and increase the number of doctorate students.

Denis Ducarme’s visit takes place on the occasion of the celebration of 45 years of diplomatic relations between Belgium and Vietnam. He will participate in the exclusive culinary event “A Taste of Belgium” showcasing authentic Belgian cuisine and high-quality Belgian produces at the Pullman Hotel.

Belgium and Vietnam have maintained important agricultural partnership. Belgian universities have excellent cooperation programs with the Vietnam National University of Agriculture in Hanoi, Nong Lam University in HCMC, and Can Tho University.