The World Bank (WB) is looking to strengthen its partnership with the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, focusing on sustainable agriculture and policy coordination as Vietnam undergoes structural reforms, affirmed Mr. Li Guo, Senior Agricultural Economist at the WB.
Vietnam’s collaboration with WB has advanced through the success of the Sustainable Agriculture Transformation Project (VnSAT), implemented in 13 Mekong Delta provinces. The initiative earned WB’s East Asia Team Award in 2023 and serves as the foundation for a one-million-hectare high-quality, low-emission rice plan.
WB highlighted Vietnam’s agricultural innovations, including the “three reductions, three increases” and “one must, five reductions” models. These have contributed to sustainable farming practices and efficiency improvements while maintaining compatibility with local traditions.
Scientific advancements in agriculture, such as straw mushroom cultivation and rice-shrimp farming, are being researched with support from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). WB stressed the importance of making these innovations accessible to farmers to boost incomes and ensure food security.
WB officials expressed support for Vietnam’s government restructuring, particularly the merger forming the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. They believe streamlining administration will improve efficiency, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and enhance policy implementation.
With the new ministry beginning operations on March 1, WB expects continued collaboration. While acknowledging that structural changes take time, WB remains confident that Vietnam’s government will successfully manage the transition. (Nong Nghiep)