Vietnam and Italy have embarked on a strategic endeavor to amplify their agricultural ties, underscoring a commitment to elevate their strategic partnership. The recent visit by the Italian Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forestry to Vietnam, warmly received by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, signifies a shared ambition for the future of agricultural engagement between the two nations.
Prime Minister Chinh asserted Vietnam’s dedication to enhancing its strategic relationship with Italy, emphasizing the visit’s role in consolidating bilateral political, economic, and trade ties, especially within the agricultural domain. This sector, recognized by both countries as a key area of cooperation, witnessed concrete progress with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and its Italian counterpart.
This MoU serves as a blueprint for achieving significant milestones in agricultural cooperation. Prime Minister Chinh advocated for its prompt and effective implementation, aiming to surmount existing obstacles and cultivate a trade relationship characterized by balance and mutual benefit. He underscored the necessity for collaboration across various spheres, including the advanced processing of agricultural products, technology transfer, innovation, digital transformation, and the promotion of green and circular economies within agriculture.
Vietnam, a leader in climate change adaptation through initiatives such as the 1-million-ha low-emission, high-quality rice program in the Mekong Delta, is poised to explore agricultural cooperation with Italy on a regional scale. Prime Minister Chinh also highlighted Vietnam’s potential role as a conduit in enhancing development partnerships between Italy and ASEAN, extending to tripartite cooperation models for food security.
Conversely, Minister Lollobrigida commended Vietnam’s agricultural capabilities and conveyed Italy’s eagerness to share expertise, technology, and advancements in sustainable agriculture. The objective is to cultivate an agricultural sector characterized by reduced emissions, augmented value, and targeting premium markets. He also accentuated Italy’s dedication to assisting Vietnam in navigating global challenges such as climate change, food security, and water security, and to expedite the removal of the EU’s yellow card warning on Vietnamese seafood.
This collaboration not only mirrors an economic convergence but also a collective commitment to tackling global environmental challenges. As Italy’s influence in Vietnam’s agricultural sector expands, and vice versa, the outlook promises a robust exchange of commodities, knowledge, and technologies. This partnership unfolds against a backdrop of fifty years of diplomatic relations and ten years of strategic partnership, heralding a new chapter in the rich history between these two nations.
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