Vietnam - Netherlands aquaculture mission highlights collaboration, knowledge exchange and innovation
The aquaculture mission between Vietnam and the Netherlands in June 2023 marked a significant milestone in their bilateral relations. The trip aimed to strengthen collaboration in the aquaculture sector and promote sustainable practices. Throughout the mission, government officials, private sector representatives, and knowledge institutions came together to foster innovation, knowledge exchange, and market expansion. The diverse range of events, including government meetings, field visits, business sessions, and knowledge institute engagements, highlighted the commitment of both nations to advancing sustainable aquaculture.
Government-to-Government Session: Fostering Bilateral Relations
The aquaculture mission kicked off with a government-to-government meeting in The Hague. High-level officials from Vietnam and the Netherlands engaged in fruitful discussions on potential collaboration opportunities, sustainable aquaculture development, and bilateral relations. The session began with welcoming remarks from both countries, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in the aquaculture sector. Officials highlighted the mutual benefits of sharing knowledge and best practices to ensure sustainable and responsible aquaculture practices.
Representatives from the Vietnamese Department of Fisheries provided an overview of the country's aquaculture sector and outlined their goals for sustainable development. They highlighted the significance of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam's aquaculture industry and the need for international collaboration to address challenges such as environmental sustainability, disease management, and market access.
The Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature, and Food Quality shared insights into the Netherlands' expertise in sustainable aquaculture practices. They discussed the country's advanced techniques to achieve environmental sustainability and economic growth. Both countries recognized the importance of supporting small-scale farmers and fishers, empowering them with knowledge and resources to adopt sustainable practices and improve their livelihoods. The meeting also included a significant moment: the handover of the booklet “Mekong Delta at a glance for sustainable agricultural transformation”, researched and developed under a project funded by Netherlands Government. This resource served as a valuable tool for promoting knowledge exchange and collaboration, providing comprehensive data and insights on sustainable growth opportunities in the region.
Field Visits: Showcasing Sustainable Practices
One of the highlights of the mission was the series of field visits to aquaculture-related locations in the Netherlands, offering a firsthand look at sustainable practices in action.
Delta Farms, known for its sustainable live bait and shrimp brood stocks, demonstrated their expertise in producing live worms for fishing and supplying frozen worms to countries worldwide. They are a partner of a consortium “ShrimpTechVietnam”, which is focusing on improving sustainable shrimp farming practices in the Mekong Delta. With partners specializing in feed, diagnostics, probiotics, aquaculture solutions, nutrition, and project management, they aim to enhance productivity, offer alternatives to antibiotics, and train local farmers over a three-year project period. In Delta farm, the delegation observed the facilities and sustainable farming methods employed by Delta Farms, which prioritize the health of the environment and the well-being of the shrimp brood stocks. See the impression of the field visits in this video clip produced by ShrimpTech.
Seafarm, an innovative company specializing in sustainable turbot farming and other shellfish development, showcased their efficient water recirculation systems. By harnessing the power of sea currents, they significantly reduced energy consumption while cultivating turbot, oysters, mussels, and other shellfish.
Lenger Seafoods, a prominent seafood producer and distributor, emphasized sustainability in their fishing, cultivation, processing, and distribution practices. With a history dating back to 1925, they specialize in sustainable shellfish and crustaceans, exporting their products worldwide. Lenger Seafoods showcased their commitment to sustainability and their dedication to quality.
Van Oord, a leading international contractor, provided insights into nature-based solutions and ocean health. Their expertise in coastal engineering and restoration of marine ecosystems, such as coral reefs and mangroves, demonstrated their commitment to the well-being of the world's oceans. The delegation learned about Van Oord's innovative projects and their impact on sustainable aquaculture practices.
Lineage Logistics, a major player in cold chain logistics, highlighted the importance of maintaining a reliable and efficient cold chain in the aquaculture industry. Their facilities, in the port of Rotterdam, including veterinary inspection points, showcased their expertise in preserving and distributing seafood products while ensuring their quality and safety. The delegation gained valuable insights into the crucial role of cold chain logistics in maintaining the integrity of aquaculture products.
Business Sessions: Exploring Collaboration Opportunities
The aquaculture mission facilitated crucial business sessions, allowing private sector representatives to explore collaboration opportunities and discuss key industry challenges and trends. Importers, exporters, and wholesalers shared their experiences in the aquaculture trade between Vietnam and the Netherlands. They discussed market demands, consumer preferences, and the importance of sustainable sourcing and certification in ensuring the quality and reliability of seafood products. Participants also explored possibilities for value chain integration, product diversification, and joint marketing initiatives to enhance market access and increase trade volumes.
Companies specializing in sustainable aquaculture practices presented their strategies for business development and shared success stories. They emphasized the importance of sustainable feed ingredients, responsible farming practices, and traceability systems to meet consumer demands for environmentally friendly and socially responsible seafood products.
Knowledge institute engagement
The aquaculture mission facilitated knowledge exchange between Vietnamese delegates and Dutch knowledge institutions. Educational institutes such as Wageningen University & Research, Aeres University of Applied Sciences, HZ University of Applied Sciences | HZ University of Applied Sciences and Can Tho University shared their expertise in aquaculture. Topics of discussion included systems approaches, alternative protein sources for feed, and capacity development in aquaculture and fisheries management. Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions, including Zone College, highlighted their contributions to education and skill development in the aquaculture industry.
The high-level aquaculture trip to the Netherlands demonstrated both Vietnam's and the Netherlands' dedication to the advancement of sustainable aquaculture. Collaboration between the two nations has the potential to spur innovation, knowledge exchange and market expansion, boosting the aquaculture industry's prosperity in Vietnam and fostering bilateral ties between the two countries.
Kindly see below the video clip with quick overview of the complete trip as a summary.
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