Belgian Federal Minister for Agriculture to visit VN

Denis Ducarme - Belgian Federal Minister for Agriculture

 Ducarme will meet with H.E Mr. Nguyen Xuan Cuong, Minister of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Viet Nam –  to discuss the current bilateral ties in agriculture between the two countries.

They will set out avenues for more fruitful cooperation in the future. Belgium and Viet Nam have a long tradition of cooperation in the sector and Belgian funding has helped Viet Nam develop its dairy and aquaculture sector.

A new and ambitious €12 million academic cooperation programme was launched in 2017. Both Ministers will also witness a signing ceremony between Solvay and PetroVietnam to develop a high performing fertilizer that is less detrimental to water and soil.

During this visit, Mr. Ducarme will further encounter Belgian SMEs and Beluxcham – the Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce – and take a tour of the chocolate processing factory of Puratos Grand-Place in Bac Ninh province to further understand the activities of these enterprises in Viet Nam.

Puratos Grand-Place was awarded a new credit of €1,25 million by the Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries (BIO) to further expand its activities in Viet Nam. The Belgian company specialized in the processing of cocoa has been striving to vertically integrate its production in the country. The credit will be used for a liquor grinding line in Ben Tre province.

Mr. Ducarme will also tour the Viet Nam National University of Agriculture. Belgium is the biggest development partner of VNUA. The Belgian University of Liège has a structural cooperation with its Vietnamese partner to boost its academic performance and to increase the number of PhD students.

In addition, specific research is done on the Pietrain Pig and an upgrading of the fruit post-harvesting process. The Belgian development cooperation also supports an agricultural business incubator at VNUA.

The Belgian Federal Minister for Agriculture’s visit takes place during the celebration of 45 years of diplomatic relations between Belgium and Viet Nam. He will also participate in the exclusive culinary event “A Taste of Belgium” showcasing authentic Belgian cuisine and high-quality Belgian produces at Pullman Hotel.-HNtimes