Establishment of the South-South Cooperation Working Group in Agriculture

This is an initiative of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to create a unified coordination mechanism and implement agricultural cooperation programs with developing countries.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment issued Decision 3786/QD-BNNMT on the establishment of the South-South Cooperation Working Group in the field of agriculture.

According to Decision No. 3786, the Head of the Working Group is Dr. Pham Ngoc Mau - Deputy Director of the Department of International Cooperation, along with a Deputy Head of the Group, an expert from the Department of International Cooperation, a representative of the National Agricultural Extension Center and a representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs .

Sharing about the working group's orientation, Mr. Pham Ngoc Mau emphasized agricultural cooperation in the direction of equal partnership, economic efficiency, and mutual benefit. Vietnam will share experiences from its existing advantages, apply simple and flexible farming methods, and at the same time save input costs but still achieve high efficiency in production.

"With its experience and tradition in farming, through the South-South cooperation mechanism, Vietnam wants to demonstrate its international responsibility. We are confident in taking on the role of providing techniques, technology, experts, plant varieties, agricultural materials and project management skills. Partner countries will be the recipients and beneficiaries of this support," said Mr. Mau.

Senegal's agricultural science delegation visited and worked with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment in August 2025. Photo: Kieu Chi.

According to the decision, the Working Group is tasked with developing strategies and long-term, annual action plans on South-South cooperation in the fields of agriculture, rural development and environment. The Group will propose cooperation programs and projects with many developing countries, especially in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and South America, which have great needs for experience exchange, technology transfer and resource development in agriculture.

One of the core objectives of the working group is to promote South-South and Trilateral cooperation programs, thereby supporting developing countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The group is also tasked with developing a unified mechanism to manage, coordinate and effectively use cooperation resources; develop and transfer production processes with Vietnamese brands; and enhance the prestige and position of Vietnam through a team of experts participating in international projects.

The Working Group will act as a bridge between national and international agencies and organizations, closely coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, FAO, JICA, EU and relevant partners to implement cooperation initiatives. Experience sharing and transfer of advanced technology in agricultural production, resource management and environmental protection will be enhanced through training, coaching and capacity building programs for partner countries.

President of the Republic of Burundi Évariste Ndayishimiye visited and worked with the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences (VAAS) on April 5, 2025. Photo: Quynh Chi.

In addition, the Group will also coordinate with media agencies to disseminate information on South-South cooperation policies and guidelines; organize seminars, conferences, exhibitions and forums to promote professional exchanges in the fields of agriculture and environment, develop green, organic and circular agriculture, promote value chain linkage models, production according to geographical indications and product traceability.

The establishment of the Working Group is expected to create a foundation for Vietnam to expand cooperation, share experiences and make practical contributions to the development of the agricultural sector, ensuring food security and sustainable development among countries in the Southern Hemisphere.

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/thanh-lap-nhom-cong-tac-hop-tac-nam--nam-trong-nong-nghiep-d787725.html