Canada is increasing agricultural cooperation with Vietnam as well as other countries in the Indo-
Pacific region to promote sustainable development and improve food security. This cooperation is reflected in many areas such as technology transfer, research and development (R&D), sharing of experiences in agricultural production and food processing. Vietnam is one of Canada's important partners in this region, with great potential in exporting agricultural products. Canada provides advanced technologies and modern production methods, helping Vietnam improve agricultural productivity and product quality. At the same time, increased cooperation will also open up many opportunities for businesses of the two countries in accessing markets and developing trade. In addition, agricultural cooperation between Canada and other countries in the Indo-
Pacific region also helps increase adaptability to climate change and address issues related to environmental protection. The Government of Canada and its stakeholders are working to develop cooperation programs, share knowledge and technology to ensure sustainable agricultural development in the future. At the Embassy of Canada in Vietnam, Ms. Deidrah Kelly, Executive Director of the Canadian Indo-
Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office (IPAAO) and Canadian Ambassador to Vietnam Shawn Steil answered questions from the press about cooperation between Canada and Vietnam, including the opening of the Canadian Indo-
Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office (IPAAO) in Manila, Philippines, which will support the economic pillars of Canada’s Indo-
Pacific Strategy and demonstrate a deep commitment to the region. In addition, the agricultural sector between Vietnam and Canada is being focused on thanks to the long-standing and mutually beneficial bilateral trade relationship.
Ms. Deidrah Kelly, Executive Director of the Canadian Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office (IPAAO) (left) and Canadian Ambassador to Vietnam Shawn Steil. (Photo: Xuan Tung)
Ms. Deidrah Kelly said that the potential for cooperation between Vietnam and Canada after joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-
Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is huge and will promote strong growth in the two-way trade balance. In terms of agriculture, Vietnam recently allowed the import of Canadian potato varieties for planting. At the recent conference in the Philippines, farmers responded that the yield increased 10 times when using Canadian potato varieties. I believe that is a good sign for farmers. Not only will agricultural output increase, but new types of products will also be exchanged, such as vinegar. In addition, we will also expand the cooperation plan in the use of crop varieties and livestock and poultry farming. New research on technology and innovative solutions from Canada will also be introduced to Vietnam. With the cooperation to improve the agricultural supply chain, especially issues such as biodiversity, circular agriculture, building a green and sustainable future, what are the priorities of the IPAAO Office for Vietnam in particular and the whole region in general? Firstly, the focus is on enhancing food safety and thoroughly checking product quality. Through in-depth seminars and delegation exchanges, the two countries can raise public awareness of “safe agriculture”. Canada wants to share knowledge about sustainable agriculture with Vietnam and countries throughout the region. According to statistics, Canada has about 10% of total greenhouse gas emissions coming from agricultural cultivation (crop and livestock). However, Canada’s total emissions into the atmosphere are very low because we have applied, tested and replicated effective innovative solutions in agriculture to bring emissions to zero. Third, the pet food industry is a relatively new field but will grow strongly because animals need to be considered members of the family. Canada is currently quite famous for producing pet food, so we want to support and expand this product to the Vietnamese market in particular and the region in general.
Ms. Deidrah Kelly, Executive Director of the Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food Office in the Indo-Pacific Region (IPAAO) (left) and Canadian Ambassador to Vietnam Shawn Steil. Photo: VnEconomy
Trade relations between Vietnam and Canada are complementary. Canada has two institutions to help domestic businesses such as: Export Development Cooperation Institution, specializing in providing capital and insurance for Canadian businesses. Previously, it only focused on investing in infrastructure and aerospace, but in the near future, it will increase investment in
agriculture and food. This will be a catalyst for bilateral trade, specifically in the
agricultural sector. Trade Development Cooperation Institution, specializing in providing government-level support packages to encourage investment and cooperation between the two countries. Ambassador Deidrah Kelly said that in the near future, in addition to the products that have been and are being exchanged between the two countries, meat products such as pork, beef, and seafood will be promoted for trade. Next are fruits such as apples, frozen berries; cereal products, nuts and more products for vegetarians./.
Le Quang
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