Vietnam and Netherlands on March 28 inked a deal on cooperation inthe field of fruit and vegetables, marking a new chapter in agriculturalcooperation between the two countries.

The signingin Hanoi was part of the round table conference on theestablishment of the Vietnam – Netherlands Cooperation Forum held onMarch 27.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister ofAgriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Dang Khoa said that theagreement will open up a new prospect for the development of Vietnam’s fruit and vegetables sector, helping ensure food security, hygieneand more income for local people.

Under the deal,Vietnam and Netherlands will set up a cooperation partnershipin the field in which key players will be enterprises of the two sideswith support of the Governments. The cooperation will focus ondeveloping mechanisms and policies to pave the way for the players tohave effective participation in the partnership, enhancing capacity viashort and long-term training, exchange of experts and encouragingagricultural expansion.

Netherlands willtransfer technologies to Vietnam, especially those in selecting,producing and processing seeds; post-harvest activities; productionorganisation and management for improved quality and food hygiene.

The two sides will also join hands in quarantine and protection forplants, market orientation, perfecting the supply chain, promoting greenproduction which is adaptive to climate change.

Currently, Vietnam is one of the world’s five leading exporters offruit and vegetables. The country exports its products to nearly 40countries and territories. In 2012, it bagged over 800 million USD fromthe export of these items.-VNA