DIALOGUE, BALANCED AND REALISTIC APPROACH

There is much work to be done if Vietnam wants to become a top destination for US FDI RURAL VIETNAM: The US is ranked 11th out of 142 countries and territories investing in Vietnam with an estimated total FDI capital of more than 11 billion USD but investment in the agricultural sector is only 149 million USD -US dollars (equivalent to about 1.35%). We have great potential in the agricultural sector, especially agricultural products, but the above numbers show that American investors have not paid attention or have any problems in their decision to do business in Vietnam. when we are always open to welcome? According to Mr. Sprecher, will this index be improved, and what does Vietnam need to attract them? Mr. ANDREW ANDERSON – SPRECHER: I expect US investment in Vietnam will continue to grow. Vietnam's agricultural industry has many opportunities for development with the application of new technology, modern equipment and methods. The principles of attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) in the agricultural sector are similar to other sectors. Investors seek transparency, predictability, timely government decisions, intellectual property protection, and a clear and fair legal framework. Vietnam has made clear progress on these fronts, but there is still much work to be done if Vietnam wants to become a leading destination for FDI. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is actively collaborating with the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to help Vietnamese farmers grow food more sustainably and more profitably. In April 2024, USDA launched the Fertilize Right initiative in Vietnam to help Vietnamese farmers use fertilizer more effectively and scientifically. This will help rice farmers reduce costs, maintain production and reduce pollution. USDA also cooperated with the University of California Davis to develop a mobile phone application to help Vietnamese farmers optimize feed rations to both reduce food costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from livestock...

US Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City - Susan Burns and Senior Agricultural Attaché Andrew Anderson-Sprecher on a field trip to the Mekong Delta.

RURAL VIETNAM: America is a large market with more than 330 million people, where 2.18 million Vietnamese Americans live, which is very attractive to Vietnamese agricultural exporters. Agricultural, forestry and fishery product exports to the United States in 2023 will reach 11.1 billion USD, accounting for 21% of Vietnam's total agricultural, forestry and fishery export turnover. In the first month of 2024, the United States is Vietnam's second largest import market for agricultural exports (accounting for 20.8% of total agricultural export output). After the two countries upgrade their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, can the two countries' agricultural industries expect market expansion opportunities? Mr. ANDREW ANDERSON - SPRECHER: Upgrading the US-Vietnam relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership creates a solid foundation for our two countries to continue expanding trade and cooperation, including in the agricultural sector . The United States continues to expand access to many Vietnamese agricultural products, most recently grapefruit. At the same time, Vietnam also granted market access rights to US grapefruit. Vietnam is currently considering the US request to open the market for hard-seeded fruits such as peaches and nectarines. We hope to be able to share these delicious fruits with Vietnamese consumers in the near future.

This cooperation has brought many benefits to Vietnam RURAL VIETNAM: The British Government has been supporting Vietnam in the fight against climate change and biodiversity protection through 7 official development assistance projects, especially in the fields of agriculture and biodiversity. environment. The UK's help gives us more tools, experience and finance to sustainably develop agriculture according to world trends. From your experience in developing green agriculture in the UK, what do you share with Vietnam? EMILY HAMBLIN: Nature-positive transformation, climate resilience and cutting greenhouse gas emissions are at the heart of the UK-Vietnam relationship. We are supporting Vietnam's efforts on these issues through a variety of channels. Our collaboration spans issues including forests, agriculture and biodiversity protection, the green economy, forest carbon markets, plastic pollution and illegal wildlife trade. We are very pleased that this cooperation has brought benefits to Vietnam. For example, I was pleased to see that UK funding accounted for 21% of the $51.5 million in results-based payments that Vietnam recently received from the Bank's Forest Carbon Partnership Facility. world to reduce emissions in the forestry sector. In addition, we continue to actively support JETP and look forward to strengthening cooperation on biodiversity protection and sustainable agriculture through the new Biodiversity Landscape Fund and Promotional Cooperation Programs. UK Climate Transition (UKPACT).

 Vietnamese and Indian businessmen still have little interaction

RURAL VIETNAM: In early August 2023, within the framework of the 5th meeting of the Vietnam-India Joint Trade Subcommittee, the representative of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam requested India to grant fruit that meets Vietnamese standards. Nam opens direct flights to India. It is understood that we still have great potential for high-quality, safe agricultural products that meet the tastes of Indian consumers, but to enter the Indian market, Vietnamese businesses face many barriers, when in fact only dragon fruit is a fresh fruit allowed to be imported into India. The entrance is too narrow, it will be disadvantageous for both sides, what do you think? Is there any good news coming soon? Mr. MADAN MOHAN SETHI: At the 5th Meeting of the Vietnam - India Joint Trade Subcommittee, the two governments discussed India's creation of conditions for Vietnamese agricultural products to be exported to India. Degree. Currently, dragon fruit products have entered the Indian market, however, as information I learned from some companies, when dragon fruit is imported to India, it loses its hardness and brittleness, and the fruit becomes damaged. soft and not juicy. The problem may be due to poor packaging or the item being held in customs for a long period of time, and we must think carefully about the solution to this problem. In addition, India is a large but very sensitive market. In order for some products to be consumed, we must carefully consider the price. RURAL VIETNAM: Currently, the position of cinnamon and Vietnamese spices is occupying a unique position in the Indian import market, of which cinnamon accounts for about 80% (35,000/38,000 tons). Besides, Vietnamese instant coffee is also preferred by Indian consumers. Population of 1.4 billion people, diverse needs, but it can be seen that there is little information about the Indian market in Vietnam, and the application of policies on imported goods is sometimes very unexpected and unannounced such as: Restrict import of incense sticks; Minimum import price for pepper products... To understand the ecosystem of your market, which is 80% vegetarian and favors agricultural products; Extremely potential consumer market... must need your sharing. Mr. MADAN MOHAN SETHI: I know that India is importing a lot of spices from Vietnam, especially cinnamon. India also imports some of your coffee products even though India itself is the largest coffee production market in the world. In terms of policy, the Indian state also has its own policies to protect the domestic economy, protect agricultural products and the rights of farmers. However, we are completely capable of creating favorable conditions for Vietnamese products to enter the Indian market. But the limitation I see is that there is little interaction between Vietnamese and Indian businessmen. Therefore, personally, I also hope that the Vietnamese government can create conditions and promote Vietnamese businesses to visit, survey and learn about the Indian market in order to connect and cooperate more effectively in the future. near future. In addition, organizing trade promotion conferences between the two countries will also be a good way to help our businesses reach each other more easily.

Mr. Madan Mohan Sethi - Consul General of India visited one of Vietnam's largest shrimp producers and exporters in Bac Lieu.

The focus needs to be on promoting collaborative partnerships

RURAL VIETNAM: You are already a powerhouse in agricultural high technology, but Japan and Korea are the two leading countries in this field in Vietnam. So how to understand this problem, and how to attract investors in your country to this field, and this is also an opportunity for Vietnam to learn how to apply and master these technologies. New technology in agriculture? Mr. MADAN MOHAN SETHI: In fact, Vietnam has not attracted large investments from Indian investors in the field of high-tech agriculture for many reasons. The first reason is that Indian businesses still do not have much information about projects calling for investment in this field, so I hope Vietnam shares more information about the potential for investment in the agricultural sector. high-tech industries in Vietnam to Indian businesses. Second, because there is still not much interaction between Vietnamese agricultural product manufacturing and exporting enterprises and Indian partners. India has the advantage of cheap agricultural machinery and experience in producing food for 1.4 billion Indians with similar quality to other countries. Vietnam should focus on inviting Indian businesses in the fields of agricultural machinery and processed food to visit and learn about investment opportunities in Vietnam. Ms. EMILY HAMBLIN: While the UK boasts high expertise in the field of agricultural technology, it should be noted that the UK's presence in the Agri - tech sector is still modest in Vietnam, which What is needed is an approach that focuses on promoting collaborative partnerships. It will include facilitating knowledge transfer, joint ventures and research collaboration to take advantage of Vietnam's agricultural potential. In practice, this can be achieved by promoting dialogue between stakeholders in the UK and Vietnam, along with showcasing successful case studies and working with Vietnam to streamline legal process to facilitate market entry. Furthermore, taking advantage of existing free trade agreements such as the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) and the UK's upcoming accession to CPTPP, can create a favorable framework for investment cooperation. and trade in agricultural technology between the two countries. Overall, with a balanced and pragmatic approach, both countries can mutually benefit from leveraging our respective strengths in agricultural technology within the framework of these agreements. The UK is committed to cooperating with Vietnam in this area and we are doing our best.

Trust comes from compliance with international standards and practices

RURAL VIETNAM: Do you have any advice for farmers, exporters and the Government of Vietnam to expand the market, increase market share and consumer confidence in your country?

Mr. ANDREW ANDERSON – SPRECHER: US agricultural exports must meet the same standards as products sold domestically. For example, all meat produced in the United States must pass inspection by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). In addition, the United States maintains several quality certification programs to help consumers make informed choices. USDA Organic certification and the USDA Prime seal are highly appreciated by consumers around the world. The Vietnamese government can increase consumer confidence in Vietnam in export markets like the United States by ensuring the application of transparent and science-based food safety regulations that are consistent with the United States. in accordance with international best practices and standards. These standards must also be implemented consistently and fairly to be effective. Additionally, farmers and exporters can improve confidence by ensuring their products meet these standards and are produced using sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. Applying modern technology and growing methods also helps improve product quality and sustainability, as well as consumer confidence. Ms. EMILY HAMBLIN: With Vietnam, as mentioned, the UK can reduce the frequency of border checks and simplify import procedures. This is an exciting new opportunity that Vietnamese export businesses can take advantage of. Mr. MADAN MOHAN SETHI: The Consulate General of India is very willing to support Vietnamese businesses investing in India because India has an open FDI policy for foreign businesses to invest in the agricultural sector. We also know that agriculture and fisheries are fields with many strengths in Vietnam. This will be a win-win cooperation if Vietnamese businesses invest in building food and seafood processing factories in India.

Happiness in living in Vietnam is eating jackfruit, bread, broken rice...

Vietnamese Rural Area: Private question: Do you often enjoy Vietnamese agricultural products? Mr. ANDREW ANDERSON - SPRECHER: One of the happiest things about living in Vietnam is the opportunity to try delicious dishes here. I especially love Vietnam's diverse fruits (including durian).One of my favorite Vietnamese fruits is jackfruit, with its excellent flavor and quality.

Mr. MADAN MOHAN SETHI: I often enjoy Vietnamese agricultural products at home or when on business trips. I find Vietnamese food rich in nutrients and often sweet. "Reveal" is that I really like stir-fried noodles with vegetables, and of course, vegetarian dishes, especially vegetarian bread and pho...

Ms. EMILY HAMLIN: I am preparing to finish my 4-year term in Vietnam and will have to start adapting to life without daily Vietnamese food! Vietnam has a rich, proud culinary culture and it always fascinates me that the style of dishes can vary significantly between provinces, from the rich, warm broth of the North to the rich, warm broths of the North. dishes made from very fragrant herbs of the South. After 4 years in Vietnam, I have enjoyed many delicious dishes, and I will definitely miss many dishes such as broken rice, Quang noodles and fish cakes - as well as sugarcane juice and fresh Vietnamese fruits.

Viet Rural: Yes, thank you for this interesting conversation!