(MPI) - Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc emphasised that enhancing green agriculture is not only a global trend but also a priority in Vietnam’s agricultural development policy to achieve sustainable growth on a foundation of high and environmental-friendly technology, while attending the conference on promoting green innovation in agriculture through market mechanism on September 17.

Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc speaks at the event. Photo: MPI

Deputy Minister Ngoc stressed that agriculture plays a pivotal role in Vietnam’s socio-economic development, providing livelihoods for about 30% of the workforce. Developing this sector is crucial not only for ensuring food security but also for playing a significant role in poverty reduction programsme, improving living standards, and maintaining social stability.

However, given the global challenges posed by climate change and urgent environmental pollution issues, sustainable green development, including transitioning to sustainable agricultural models, is imperative to address these challenges.

To promote innovation and green agricultural transformation through market mechanism, it is crucial to leverage support from the private sector and all economic components to develop sustainable and green development models, she added.

Particularly, the market will drive businesses, researchers, farmers, and related parties to effectively collaborate, optimising the production, consumption, and distribution processes.

Vietnam has issued the National Green Growth Strategy for 2021-2030 period, vision to 2050, with an overall target of that green growth contributes to the restructuring of the economy in conjunction with renewing the growth model, in order to achieve economic prosperity, environmental sustainability and social equality; strive towards a green and carbon neutral economy; contribute to the realization of the goal to reduce global warming. The strategy identifies six important sectors, including sustainable agriculture.

Deputy Minister Ngoc said that this event provides an opportunity for stakeholders to exchange and update information on promoting green agriculture through market mechanism, thus continuing to research mechanisms, policies, build a legal framework, and create an ecosystem to boost the process of green innovation in agriculture.

National Innovation Center (NIC), under the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) and the Vietnam-Australia Scholars and Experts Association (VASEA) signs a memorandum of understanding. Photo: MPI

Todd Sanderson, Research Program Manager for Social Systems at Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) stated that over the past 30 years, ACIAR has collaborated with numerous research entities to contribute to the Vietnamese Government’s efforts in developing the agricultural sector, specifically in areas like agricultural business, land research; particularly in climate change, supporting the construction of monitoring and verification systems; developing and recommending policies for green agriculture.

Highlighting the importance of implementing sustainable green agriculture, Todd expressed his belief that Vietnam is an exemplary in green transformation and through developing strategies and roadmaps for green agriculture, Vietnam will offer valuable lessons in future green transitions.

Drawing from Australia’s experience, he affirmed that developing green agriculture through market mechanisms plays a crucial role, enabling effective efforts, increasing productivity, and reducing emissions.

On this occasion, the National Innovation Center (NIC), under the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) and the Vietnam-Australia Scholars and Experts Association (VASEA) inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation to promote innovation, technology transfer, and ecosystem development associated with the fields of training, research, consulting, product development, and product commercialization./.

Bao Linh

Ministry of Planning and Investment