On the morning of November 13, the Ministry of Industry and Trade in coordination with the European Commission organized a workshop with the theme “Green transformation in agricultural and food production to promote exports to the European Union” in Ho Chi Minh City. Within the framework of the Vietnam International Food Industry Exhibition (Vietnam Foodexpo) 2024 (taking place from November 13 – 16, 2024 in Ho Chi Minh City) organized by the Ministry of Industry and Trade in coordination with the European Commission. The workshop provided multi-dimensional perspectives from domestic and international experts on market prospects, the ability to deeply participate in the supply chain with EU partners, trade defense, businesses adapting to new regulations and policies, and proposing strategies to promote green transformation in the agricultural sector, in line with the trend of green economy, circular economy…
This year’s program is especially aimed at supporting Vietnamese businesses to overcome challenges and adapt to green regulations and policies, seizing opportunities for trade and investment cooperation in potential areas such as green economy, digital economy, circular economy and energy transition in the EU market.
Speaking at the workshop, Mr. Le Hoang Tai, Deputy Director of the Trade Promotion Agency (Ministry of Industry and Trade) affirmed: “The EU is one of Vietnam’s leading trade and investment partners, making an important contribution to Vietnam’s socio-economic development, integration and energy transition”. He emphasized the role of the EVFTA and EVIPA Agreements, helping to facilitate Vietnam in promoting trade cooperation, attracting investment and technology transfer from the EU.
In his speech, Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Dinh Tho – Director of the Institute of Strategy and Policy on Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment pointed out the challenges that Vietnamese enterprises face from ESG barriers imposed by the EU, including the Border Carbon Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the EU Deforestation Prevention Regulation (EUDR). He also mentioned the global context with three main crises: climate change, environmental pollution and biodiversity loss. In this context, Vietnam needs to strongly transition to a green economy, towards a low-emission, resource-efficient and sustainable economy. He also highlighted the role of the Vietnamese Government in policy making and supporting enterprises through strategies such as the National Strategy on Green Growth and international cooperation programs, to improve competitiveness, attract investment and meet strict EU standards.
Speaking at the workshop, Mr. Laurent Lourdais – representative of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Vietnam shared about the strict standards that the EU applies to imported agricultural products and food, especially focusing on regulations such as CBAM and EUDR. He emphasized that in order to maintain a presence in the EU market, Vietnamese enterprises need to constantly innovate production, ensuring environmental and social criteria. In addition, he recommended that enterprises build sustainable supply chains and enhance traceability to meet the increasing expectations of European consumers. Representatives of the Center for Information Technology Application and Digital Transformation in Trade Promotion (INTEC) and Tridge Company (Korea) introduced the solution of the Export Market Development Information System, helping Vietnamese enterprises improve their ability to access international markets. The system not only provides detailed data on consumption trends and import standards but also supports businesses in finding new cooperation opportunities.
From the perspective of Vietnamese enterprises, both Vinasoy and Betrimex have affirmed their strong commitment to sustainable development through the application of high technology and resource optimization. Vinasoy representatives emphasized the investment in the Okara-free production process, which helps optimize the use of soybeans and minimize waste in the production of plant-based milk, while meeting green standards. Meanwhile, Betrimex focuses on exploiting the full value of coconuts, minimizing waste to the maximum extent, and implementing carbon offset and renewable energy projects. The company also promotes support for farmers through sustainable and digital farming models, aiming to increase income and improve livelihoods for rural communities. These efforts not only contribute to minimizing environmental impacts but also increase export value, affirming the position of Vietnamese products in the international market. During the discussion, experts analyzed and answered questions from businesses about major challenges in the context of a volatile global economy, while clarifying the trend of applying increasingly stringent green and sustainable trade standards. Regulations such as the Border Carbon Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the EU Deforestation Prevention Regulation (EUDR), and the Supply Chain Due Diligence Directive (CS3D) are considered factors that will strongly affect trade and investment activities between Vietnam and the EU in the coming time. In addition, experts also emphasized that this challenge is also an opportunity for Vietnamese businesses. Compliance with sustainability standards not only helps businesses continue to be present in the international market but also creates conditions for more effective exploitation of existing advantages, enhancing added value and brand reputation, thereby promoting sustainable development and long-term competitiveness.