Dutch experts to explore cooperation in agro-business hub development

Professor Peter Smeets of University of Wageningen presents the quick scan of the agro-business hub in the Mekong Delta

On the afternoon of September 7, 2022, Vice Chairman of Can Tho City People's Committee Duong Tan Hien had a working session with a delegation of Dutch experts to discuss cooperation in developing the agro-business hub in the Mekong Delta. The Dutch delegation was led by Chargé d'affaires of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Vietnam Christoph Prommersberger, together with representatives of the Dutch Embassy in Vietnam, the Dutch Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, Dutch research universities, and foreign investment agencies.

After listening to the presentation of the Department of Planning and Investment on the hub project proposal, Dutch experts had raised questions on issues related to criteria to select investors for the hub, as well as how the Dutch side can participate in this project.

According to Mr. Duong Tan Hien, in addition to the mechanisms and policies promulgated by the National Assembly, Can Tho city is in need of Dutch businesses to support and invest in agriculture in the fields of new technologies for livestock and crop breeding; synchronous mechanization in agricultural production; post-harvest preservation technology; processing technology of agricultural and aquatic products to create high added value products; applying digital technology to agriculture; logistics service system serving production and processing; and international market connection.

Experts from Wageningen University also presented the results of the quick study of the agro-business hub in the Mekong Delta, with recommendations for this project. Besides, Chargé d'affaires of the Netherlands Christoph Prommersberger also invited the People's Committee of Can Tho city to organize a study visit and learn about similar models of agricultural production and processing centers in the Netherlands. The city was also asked to connect and invite more Dutch businesses and investors to explore opportunities for cooperation and investment in Can Tho, especially in the agricultural sector.

Vice Chairman of Can Tho City People's Committee Duong Tan Hien assigned the Department of Planning and Investment to act as the contact point of Can Tho city to coordinate with the Embassy, ​​Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands as well as other Dutch agencies and partners, and provide more details about the project to promote cooperation between the two parties in this important project.

The agro-business hub in the Mekong Delta has a scale of 3,300 ha by 2050, located in Long Tuyen ward (Binh Thuy district) and Giai Xuan ward (Phong Dien district); in which phase 1 of the Center will be deployed on an area of ​​450ha.

According to the scheme, by 2025, the hub will be formed with the goal of researching and applying preservation technologies, developing cold chains, investing in a fast and convenient transportation and logistics system; build one-stop centers for plant quarantine and goods quality control.