At the reception (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosted a reception in Hanoi on April 24for a delegation of leaders of agriculture ministries attending the fourth Global Conference of the One PlanetNetwork’s Sustainable Food System Programme (SFS Programme).
The PMhailed the crucial role of the SFS programme in the common effort toachieve all 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),particularly in ensuring food security.
Heaffirmed that the conference took place at a very appropriate time when theworld is striving to recover from the serious consequences of theCOVID-19 pandemic on the health and social welfare of people, as well as thedisruption of food supply chains, leading to food crises in manyparts of the world.
Amiduncertain developments in the world, Vietnam prioritises and continues tomaintain macroeconomic stability, control inflation, promote growth, ensure themajor balances of the economy and social welfare, including ensuring a balanceof food and food exports, he said, adding that Vietnam is restructuring itsagriculture sector towards increasing added value and sustainable development,shifting the focus from agricultural production to agricultural economicdevelopment.
Accordingto the PM, agriculture is providing livelihoods for over 60% of the ruralpopulation, accounting for 30% of the country's workforce and nearly 12% of thegross domestic product. From a country that used to be dependent on foodimports and underdeveloped in agriculture, Vietnam has become one of theworld's leading exporters of agro-forestry-fisheries, with a total exportturnover of over 53 billion USD last year.
ThePM said the Vietnamese Government has issued theNational Action Plan to transform a transparent, responsible and sustainablefood system in Vietnam by 2030 and stays ready to expand cooperation with othercountries in building policies and spreading green, eco-friendly, low-emission,and sustainable food system models, contributing to ensuring food security inthe country and the world.
Heproposed that developing countries enhance the effectiveness of the South-Southcooperation, in which Vietnam is willing to share experience and work withother countries to develop agriculture and rural areas, eradicate hunger andreduce poverty, and food security with the support of bilateral andmultilateral international partners.
Thehost suggested that relevant parties build mechanisms to attract investment,conduct research and technological application, especially post-harvesttechnology, pay attention to high-quality human resources training and the establishment of stable global supply chains based on the principle of mutualrespect and sharing, and assist developing countries in agriculturaldevelopment and transition of the food system towards green, clean, organic,and circular manner.
Leadersof agriculture ministries and Executive Director of Grow Asia Beverley Postma hailed Vietnam for holding the conference amid the risk of a global food crisis due tothe disruption of the global supply chain.
Theyspoke highly of Vietnam's commitments and goals in transforming its food systemto be healthy, sustainable, adaptable to climate change, and inclusive.
Agreeingwith the Vietnamese PM’s proposals, they pledged to report to their leaders to boostcooperation and wished that Vietnam would send experts to their countries toshare experience in ensuring food security and agriculture development,especially in rice, coffee, and seafood./.
