Green transformation in agricultural and food production boosts exports to the EU

The Ministry of Industry and Trade coordinated with the European Commission to organize the Workshop "Green transformation in agricultural and food production to promote exports to the European Union (EU)".

This morning, November 13, within the framework of the Vietnam International Food Industry Exhibition (Vietnam Foodexpo 2024) taking place in Ho Chi Minh City, the Ministry of Industry and Trade in coordination with the European Commission organized a workshop with the theme "Green transformation in agricultural and food production to promote exports to the European Union".

The workshop, organized by the Ministry of Industry and Trade in coordination with the European Commission, provided multi-dimensional perspectives from domestic and international experts on market prospects, the ability to deeply participate in the supply chain with EU partners, trade defense, businesses adapting to new regulations and policies, and proposed strategies to promote green transformation in the agricultural sector, in line with the trend of green economy, circular economy...

Workshop with the theme "Green transformation in agricultural and food production to promote exports to the European Union".

With the participation of representatives of the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham), the Delegation of the European Union to Vietnam, representatives of the Consulates General of EU member countries in Vietnam, localities, domestic and international experts and especially the large participation of the business community, the workshop opened a comprehensive and multi-dimensional interactive exchange channel, keeping up with market trends and fluctuations, supporting Vietnamese enterprises to grasp information, quickly adapt to maintain and develop green production activities.

This year's program is specifically aimed at supporting Vietnamese businesses to overcome challenges and adapt to green regulations and policies, and seize trade and investment cooperation opportunities in potential areas such as green economy, digital economy, circular economy and energy transition in the EU market.

Mr. Le Hoang Tai - Deputy Director of the Trade Promotion Agency spoke at the workshop.

Speaking at the workshop, Mr. Le Hoang Tai - Deputy Director of the Trade Promotion Agency affirmed that the EU is one of Vietnam's leading trade and investment partners, making an important contribution to Vietnam's socio-economic development, integration and energy transition. Mr. Le Hoang Tai also emphasized the role of the EVFTA and EVIPA Agreements, helping to create favorable conditions for Vietnam in promoting trade cooperation, attracting investment and transferring technology from the EU.

The Deputy Director of the Trade Promotion Agency also pointed out that Vietnam is actively implementing its commitments at COP26, aiming for the goal of Net zero by 2050 through the National Strategy on Green Growth. The Ministry of Industry and Trade will continue to support Vietnamese enterprises in applying ESG standards, promoting trade, investing in green technology, and promoting sustainable production models, thereby enhancing competitiveness and participating deeply in the global value chain.

At the event, Mr. Jean-Jacques Bouflet - Vice President of the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham), emphasized the importance of the European Green Deal (EGD) in shaping sustainable policies, while pointing out new challenges that Vietnamese export enterprises face, especially from the Border Carbon Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the EU Deforestation Prevention Regulation (EUDR).

Mr. Jean-Jacques Bouflet affirmed that compliance with these new standards is not only a mandatory requirement but also brings great opportunities for Vietnamese enterprises to participate more deeply in the global supply chain. In addition, he highly appreciated the cooperation between the EU and Vietnam in areas such as renewable energy, circular economy and technology transfer, thereby promoting the sustainable development goals and carbon neutrality of both sides.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Dinh Tho - Director of the Institute of Strategy and Policy on Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

Speaking at the workshop, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Dinh Tho - Director of the Institute of Strategy and Policy on Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment pointed out the challenges that Vietnamese enterprises face from ESG barriers imposed by the EU, including the Border Carbon Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the EU Deforestation Prevention Regulation (EUDR). He also mentioned the global context with three main crises: Climate change, environmental pollution and biodiversity loss. In this context, Vietnam needs to strongly transition to a green economy, towards a low-emission, resource-efficient and sustainable economy.

He also highlighted the role of the Vietnamese Government in policy making and supporting businesses through strategies such as the National Strategy on Green Growth and international cooperation programs, to enhance competitiveness, attract investment and meet strict EU standards.

Speaking at the workshop, Mr. Laurent Lourdais - representative of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Vietnam shared about the strict standards that the EU applies to imported agricultural products and food, especially focusing on regulations such as CBAM and EUDR.

Mr. Laurent Lourdais emphasized that, in order to maintain a presence in the EU market, Vietnamese enterprises need to constantly innovate production, ensuring environmental and social criteria. In addition, he recommended that enterprises build sustainable supply chains and enhance traceability to meet the increasing expectations of European consumers.

Mr. Laurent Lourdais - representative of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Vietnam shared about the strict standards that the EU applies to imported agricultural products and food.

As a foreign enterprise, Mr. Ömer Oktay - representative of Voicevale Import Company (UK), highly appreciated the potential for cooperation between the EU and Vietnam in the field of manufacturing and importing and exporting green standard products. With the increasing demand from the EU market for sustainable products, Vietnam has many advantages to exploit, from abundant raw materials to a strong commitment to green development. He emphasized that ensuring high environmental and social standards will not only help Vietnamese enterprises gain deeper access to the EU supply chain in general and the UK in particular, but also increase brand value and competitiveness in the international market.

From the perspective of Vietnamese enterprises, at the workshop, both Vinasoy and Betrimex affirmed their strong commitment to sustainable development through the application of high technology and resource optimization. Vinasoy representatives emphasized the investment in the Okara-free production process, which helps optimize the use of soybeans and minimize waste in the production of plant-based milk, while meeting green standards.

Meanwhile, Betrimex focuses on maximizing the value of coconuts, minimizing waste, and implementing carbon offset and renewable energy projects. The company also promotes farmer support through sustainable and digital farming models, aiming to increase income and improve the livelihoods of rural communities. These efforts not only contribute to minimizing environmental impacts but also increase export value, affirming the position of Vietnamese products in the international market.

In particular, at the workshop, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Center for Information Technology Application and Digital Transformation in Trade Promotion (INTEC) under the Trade Promotion Agency, Tridge Company (Korea) and Vietnam Multi-channel Trade Promotion Joint Stock Company (TOPVN), aiming to promote the export of Vietnamese agricultural and food products through modern digital platforms. The three parties committed to cooperating in building and developing a database system for Vietnamese agriculture and food, helping businesses effectively manage and exploit information, thereby improving their competitiveness in the international market. In the coming time, the parties will strengthen coordination and expand access to global markets through the establishment of a Vietnamese Pavilion on Tridge.com, contributing to increasing the recognition and value of Vietnamese products on international e-commerce platforms.

Signing ceremony of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Center for Information Technology Application and Digital Transformation in Trade Promotion (INTEC) under the Department of Trade Promotion, Tridge Company (Korea) and Vietnam Multi-channel Trade Promotion Joint Stock Company (TOPVN).

The cooperation program also includes in-depth training activities, raising awareness and skills for businesses on import-export promotion, and organizing events to promote and connect businesses with international partners. Speaking at the signing ceremony, representatives of the three parties emphasized that this cooperation not only helps Vietnamese businesses gain deeper access to international markets but also contributes significantly to building a digital and sustainable economy for Vietnam's agriculture and food industry.

During the discussion, experts analyzed and answered questions from businesses about major challenges in the context of a volatile global economy, while clarifying the trend of applying increasingly stringent green and sustainable trade standards. Regulations such as the Border Carbon Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the EU Deforestation Prevention Regulation (EUDR), and the Supply Chain Due Diligence Directive (CS3D) are considered factors that will strongly affect trade and investment activities between Vietnam and the EU in the coming time.

In addition, experts also emphasized that this challenge is also an opportunity for Vietnamese enterprises. Compliance with sustainability standards not only helps enterprises continue to be present in the international market but also creates conditions for more effective exploitation of existing advantages, enhancing added value and brand reputation, thereby promoting sustainable development and long-term competitiveness.

Through valuable exchanges between experts, consulting organizations and lively discussions between delegates, the workshop has promoted its role as a channel for policy dialogue, updating practical and effective market information between the management agencies of both sides and the business community, especially helping Vietnamese enterprises better prepare to meet green and sustainable trade standards and exploit opportunities from the international market.

Source: https://congthuong.vn/chuyen-doi-xanh-trong-san-xuat-nong-san-thuc-pham-thuc-day-xuat-khau-sang-eu-358482.html