“This year marks our 25th anniversary of our agricultural research partnership with Vietnam. This anniversary is even more meaningful to the two countries as Vietnam and Australia are also celebrating 45 years of diplomatic relations,” said Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, H.E Mr. Craig Chittick.
“Cooperation in the agriculture and forestry industries has been a very important part of Australia’s relationship with Vietnam throughout the 45 years of diplomatic links between the two countries. Australia’s support to Vietnam through agricultural research collaboration has been consistent and efficient, as part of our larger aid program in Vietnam. I am proud to see that the support has greatly contributed to today’s Vietnam, particularly the transformation of Vietnam’s agricultural sector,” Ambassador Chittick added.
The research collaboration with Vietnam has been led by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) since 1993.
“ACIAR is a special partner for Vietnam in agricultural research and development. The collaboration and knowledge-sharing from Australia and the world through ACIAR have promoted research capacity in Vietnam, brought advances in science and technology, and contributed to poverty reduction,” said Dr Le Quoc Doanh, Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.
“The positive impact of these partnerships are reflected in research and development of acacia and eucalypt plantations; rapid expansion of the oyster industry; and the successful market engagement for vegetables and fruits from the northwest region, to give just three examples,” he noted.
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Several projects of ACIAR in Vietnam |
“Australia has extensive research and development experience, which it has been able to share with Vietnamese counterparts to build on their capability to tackle their problems more effectively. This includes expertise in horticulture and livestock production and marketing, food quality and safety assurance, water saving practices, plantation forest management, and aquaculture. We believe that there is of significant benefit for both Australia and Vietnam to continue to nurture agricultural research exchange,” said Professor Andrew Campbell, ACIAR Chief Executive Officer.
Over the past 25 years, the Australian Government has invested AUD 100 million in 170 research projects in Vietnam, and at the same time provided hundreds of postgraduate scholarships for Vietnamese researchers to study in Australia. Many of these scientists are now research leaders.
ACIAR has recently announced its research collaboration strategy with Vietnam for 2017-2027 to continue supporting Vietnam in agricultural research for development, focusing on the North West Highlands, the Central Highlands and the Mekong Delta.
Reported by Binh Chau-Hoang Linh