Ivory Coast Explored Cooperation Opportunities with Can Tho City in Agriculture

Within a cooperation program in agriculture between Vietnam, the World Bank (WB) and Ivory Coast, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam in cooperation with the WB organized a trip for a high-ranking delegation of the Ivory Coast to visit Vietnam from 25 – 31 May, 2019.

On this occasion, the delegation led by H.E. Achi Patrick, Minister, Secretary General to the Presidency paid a working visit to Can Tho City from 28 – 29 May, 2019.

H.E. Achi Patrick delivered his speech at the meeting with leaders of Can Tho City

Speaking at the meeting, H.E. Achi Patrick mentioned that both the Ivory Coast and Vietnam shared similarities in natural, social conditions and areas; and that Can Tho City located in the Mekong Delta region, which is a well-known place for agriculture production, has an important role to the region with its numerous universities, institutes for researching high quality seedlings, breeds and seeds. As a result, he was happy for a correct decision to visit the city and conduct field trips during his stay to understand more its agricultural production status and applied technologies.

H.E. Minister, Secretary General to the Presidency suggested a direct cooperation between 02 localities such as B2B, institute – institute and department – department. At initial stage, such cooperation is ideally conducted in a form of pilot projects which can be scaled up later.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Dung, Vice Chairman of the City People's Committee thanked his counterpart and his team members for the visit and cooperation suggestions with Can Tho City. Then the Vice Chairman presented Can Tho location, roles in the Mekong Delta and its strengths in the country's and region's economy especially in agricultural sector with key items: rice, fruits, aquatic products etc. As a result, what the delegation was seeking for from the trip totally fitted into Can Tho City's potentials and advantages.

Vice Chairman of the City People's Committee awarded a souvenir to H.E. Minister, Secretary General to the Presidency Achi Patrick on his working visit to Can Tho City on 28 May, 2019

The Vice Chairman agreed to establish the cooperation relationship with the Ivory Coast within the cooperation framework of both countries. He assigned local stakeholders and focal points to proceed with next steps and specific activities with Ivory Coast partners.

The delegation ended its trip in Can Tho City by field visits to a rice collaborative group in Tan Hung ward, Trung An Hi-tech Farming JSC in Trung Kien ward, Thot Not district and Thoi An Aquatic Product Cooperative in O Mon district to directly interview farmers and business owner for a better idea of their production activities in rice and aquatic production.