Vietnam seeks FAO’s support in mobilizing funding, enhancing climate-adaptive farming, and transitioning towards a green, responsible, and resilient food system.

On February 6, Minister Le Minh Hoan met with a delegation from FAO, led by Director-General Qu Dongyu, to discuss future cooperation.

Minister Hoan welcomed FAO as the first international delegation to visit the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) in the new lunar year.

He acknowledged FAO as a key strategic partner that has provided critical technical, financial, and policy support to Vietnam’s agricultural sector for over 45 years, through more than 400 projects.

He highlighted that in 2024, agriculture remains a key pillar of Vietnam’s economy, ensuring food security, stabilizing livelihoods for over 60% of the rural population, and contributing 11.86% to the national GDP.

While Vietnam has made significant progress in agricultural modernization, Minister Hoan noted that support from international organizations like FAO has been instrumental in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly in poverty eradication and food security.

Vietnam’s commitments to climate action and sustainable farming

Minister Hoan reaffirmed Vietnam’s strong commitment to sustainable development and climate action. He outlined the country’s major international pledges, including:

Achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, as pledged at COP26.

Participating in the Global Methane Pledge to reduce agricultural methane emissions.

Implementing the Glasgow Declaration on Forests and Land Use.

Engaging in the Emirates Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems, launched at COP28.

To fulfill these commitments, Vietnam is actively restructuring its agricultural sector, focusing on: Climate-smart farming, Eco-friendly food systems, Minimizing post-harvest losses, Promoting circular and nature-based agriculture

One key initiative is the Sustainable 1 Million Hectare High-Quality Rice Program, aimed at reducing emissions while increasing productivity in the Mekong Delta.

Challenges and the need for FAO’s support

Despite its progress, Vietnam faces several pressing challenges in agriculture, including resource depletion, climate change, volatile global markets, and shifting consumer trends.

Minister Hoan stressed the need for a systemic transformation of Vietnam’s food system, ensuring sustainability while maintaining productivity and economic viability. He emphasized that agriculture must become greener, more responsible, and more resilient to climate shocks.

To achieve these goals, Vietnam seeks FAO’s technical and financial support in:

Mobilizing climate finance from international funds and donors.

Enhancing digital agriculture and innovation.

Scaling up sustainable fisheries, forestry, and livestock production.

Fostering public-private partnerships in sustainable food production.

Strengthening cross-border collaboration on food security and climate resilience.

Vietnam has also proposed that FAO serve as a bridge to connect Vietnamese agricultural experts with developing countries, particularly in Africa, through South-South cooperation programs.

FAO and Vietnam: A shared vision for the future

Minister Le Minh Hoan expressed Vietnam’s commitment to strengthening ties with FAO, ensuring mutual benefits for farmers, businesses, and policymakers. He emphasized that green and climate-resilient agriculture is the only path forward, and Vietnam is eager to lead by example in Asia’s agricultural transition.

FAO representatives welcomed Vietnam’s proactive approach, reaffirming their commitment to support the country’s agricultural transformation.

This strategic partnership between Vietnam and FAO is expected to shape the future of sustainable agriculture, not only in Vietnam but across the region.

Tam An