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18 July 2022

European Union Agri-Food Business Mission to Vietnam 2022 EN

Vietnam had the honor of welcoming Mr. Janusz Wojciechowski, Commissioner for Agriculture of the European Union (EU), from July 10th to 14th, 2022. The purpose of the Commissioner's visit was to promote European agricultural food and beverage exports and to benefit from the positive outcomes of the entry into force of the European Union–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) in August 2020.

Mr. Janusz Wojciechowski, Commissioner for Agriculture of the European Union (EU)

Exploring Agri-Food Opportunities

During this time, Mr. Wojciechowski led a delegation comprising 50 agri-food companies and organizations. Their primary focus was to evaluate opportunities in the agri-food sector under the EVFTA. In tandem with this, the EU delegation organized a business seminar on July 11th, 2023. This seminar provided an in-depth exploration of the characteristics of the Vietnamese market and consumer trends.

Adding to this diplomatic interaction, the EU-Vietnam Agri-Food Business Forum later took place on July 13th, 2023. It was attended by Mr. Wojciechowski, the Vietnamese Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), Mr. Le Minh Hoan, and the Chairman and President of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), Mr. Pham Tan Cong. During the Business-to-Business (B2B) forum, there was an exchange of experiences among the respective businesspeople regarding the marketing of agricultural food and beverage products, sustainable production standards, and partnerships between EU and Vietnamese businesses in Southeast Asia.

European Union Agri-Food Business Mission to Vietnam 2022

Sustainable Agri-Food Projects in Vietnam

As a testament to the lasting impact of EU initiatives in Vietnam, Mr. Wojciechowski visited Vietnamese businesses involved in the project ‘Promotion of Supply and Demand of Eco-Fair Agri-food processing products in Vietnam’ in April 2020. This project, funded by the European Union, aimed to kickstart and promote the sustainable production of ecologically processed agricultural products in Vietnam. His visit underscored the benefits and advancements achieved through collaborative efforts, fostering a more sustainable and environmentally conscious agri-food sector in the region.

European Union Agri-Food Business Mission to Vietnam 2022

Vietnam and European Union Partnership

The relationship between Vietnam and the EU, established in October 1990, has flourished, with Vietnam becoming a key partner for the EU in Southeast Asia. Cooperation between the EU and Vietnam spans various critical areas, including political issues, peace, security, global challenges, trade, and development.

The advantages of the EVFTA to Vietnam's agricultural industry have been impactful. Between 2020 and 2021, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, EU-Vietnam agrifood trade witnessed a remarkable 9% growth, reaching 3.5 billion Euros. This positive trend is anticipated to continue in 2022.

Recognizing the importance of agriculture as a vital and evolving sector, Vietnam aims to further strengthen cooperation and ties with the EU in this field.

The EU will further encourage businesses to invest in Vietnam, including the agricultural sector. - Mr. Wojciechowski

As Vietnam solidifies its position as a key partner for the EU, there is a compelling opportunity for businesses to contribute to the growth of the agri-food sector. The doors are open, and the time is ripe for businesses to cultivate partnerships and harvest the abundant opportunities that await in Vietnam’s agri-food landscape. Are you ready to grow your agri-food business in Southeast Asia? Get in touch with us!