IFAD, Viet Nam strategic partnership strategy set to begin in 2027

COSOP 2028-2033 will support the Government's priorities in climate-resilient rural development investment and innovation.

On August 7, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment Vo Van Hung received and held a working session with Ms. Reehana Raza, Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

Deputy Minister Vo Van Hung highly appreciated IFAD’s long-term partnership and commitment to Viet Nam’s agricultural and rural development. Over the years, IFAD has made practical contributions to supporting the implementation of policies and orientations related to agriculture, farmers, and rural areas), helping improve livelihoods for local communities in areas such as Thai Nguyen, Cao Bang, Vinh Long, Khanh Hoa, Lam Dong, Gia Lai, and Quang Ngai.

“Viet Nam is entering a new stage of development while remaining steadfast in pursuing green growth and sustainable development. Two consistent principles of the Government are not sacrificing the environment for economic growth and ensuring that no one is left behind in the development process,” Deputy Minister Vo Van Hung further stated.

On behalf of IFAD, Ms. Reehana Raza highly praised Viet Nam’s achievements in restructuring its administrative apparatus and transforming its economic structure, particularly in the fields of agriculture and environment. According to her, the Government’s priorities on poverty reduction, rural development, support for smallholder farmers, climate finance, and the development of agroforestry models are fully aligned with IFAD’s strategic direction.

Deputy Minister Vo Van Hung emphasized that the models implemented by IFAD have not only delivered results at the project level but have also provided a foundation for research and scaling up into policies and development programmes.

At the meeting, the two sides also discussed preparations for several upcoming technical assistance projects. These include the RECAF technical assistance project on emissions reduction in the Central Highlands and South Central Coastal regions, which aims to contribute to the implementation of the National REDD+ Action Programme and was signed in December 2025. Another initiative is the project "Promoting Innovative Finance for Adaptive Livelihoods in Wetland Areas", funded by the Adaptation Fund through IFAD.

Deputy Minister Vo Van Hung expressed his hope that IFAD would continue providing technical support, sharing international experience, and accompanying Viet Nam in mobilizing climate finance resources. IFAD affirmed that it would continue prioritizing projects supporting the implementation of the 1 Million Hectares of High-Quality, Low-Emission Rice Project, as well as initiatives on climate change adaptation, enhancing the resilience of agricultural systems, and developing sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

Ms. Enika Basu, IFAD Country Director for Viet Nam, said that 2027 will be a pivotal year for the launch of the Country Strategic Opportunities Programme (COSOP) for Viet Nam. The strategy will focus on the Government's development priorities by increasing investment in sustainable agricultural transformation, strengthening farmers' capacities, and scaling up proven successful models.

According to IFAD, between 2012 and 2024, the Fund committed approximately USD 500 million in ODA and grant financing to Viet Nam. These projects have been implemented across more than 20 provinces, with a focus on mountainous, remote, and climate-vulnerable areas.

Kieu Chi