This affirmation was made by Minister of Agriculture and Environment Do Duc Duy during his courtesy meeting with Dr. Remi Nono Womdim, Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in Vietnam.
Success built on FAO–Vietnam synergy
On May 9, Minister Do Duc Duy entertained Dr. Remi Nono Womdim, the FAO Representative in Vietnam. The Minister expressed gratitude for FAO's extensive collaboration in the areas of food security, natural resource management, and agricultural and rural development. In 1978, FAO established an office in Vietnam and has since provided technical and financial assistance, as well as capacity-building, to the government and millions of producers through a variety of sustainable agriculture, forestry, and fisheries ventures.
Minister Do Duc Duy thanked FAO for its support to the Government and millions of Vietnamese farmers. Photo: Quynh Chi. With this strong foundation, Vietnam is currently focusing on the responsible implementation of its international commitments, climate change adaptation, and sustainable development. Minister Duy underscored the significance of FAO's Framework and Priority Programs, which concentrate on the following: resilience agri-food systems, digital agriculture, innovation for sustainable agriculture, One Health, food safety for all, and comprehensive rural transformation.
"These are critical areas for enhancing food safety and nutrition, protecting the environment, and improving the participation and benefits of smallholder farmers in agricultural value chains," the Minister emphasized.
In response, Dr. Remi Womdim was pleased to announce that the UN’s approved budget for Vietnam’s Country Framework Program for 2022–2026 stands at USD 39.2 million—surpassing the initial target of USD 30 million and significantly higher than the USD 14.5 million disbursed during 2017–2021.
“This achievement is the result of strong consensus between the Ministry and stakeholders, enabling breakthroughs in resource mobilization for Vietnam’s sustainable agricultural development,” Dr. Remi affirmed.
He also pointed to one of the most recent and prominent achievements: the establishment of the Food Systems Transformation Partnership—a robust platform with the involvement of the Vietnamese government, international organizations, embassies, and agri-business associations.
Key ongoing initiatives include the One Health Program, with a particular focus on antimicrobial resistance control.
During the recent visit of FAO’s Director-General to Vietnam (February 5–8), the Ministry and FAO signed a memorandum of understanding to promote South–South and Triangular cooperation.
Bridge of cooperation for sustainable agriculture
Minister Do Duc Duy affirmed: “Vietnam is ready to share its experience and cooperate with African and Latin American countries in agriculture and rural development under the frameworks of South–South and Triangular cooperation, with financial support from bilateral and multilateral partners.”
He proposed that FAO’s Vietnam office closely coordinate to organize a high-level policy dialogue involving ministers from African countries and facilitate experience sharing on Vietnam’s One Commune One Product (OCOP) program.
Dr. Remi welcomed the proposal, expressing appreciation for Vietnam’s open and constructive spirit of cooperation for the common prosperity of developing nations.
Minister Do Duc Duy presented the Medal 'For the Cause of Agriculture and Rural Development' to Mr. Remi Nono Womdim. Photo: Quynh Chi.“This will be a meaningful opportunity for African countries to witness the results of Vietnam’s agricultural transformation efforts. It is time for you to share your success story with the world,” he said emotionally, as he neared the end of his term in Vietnam. He expressed pride in having contributed to the country and looked forward to returning as a friend and brother of Vietnam.
To mark the occasion, Minister Do Duc Duy presented Dr. Remi Nono Womdim with the Medal for the Cause of Agriculture and Rural Development, expressing best wishes and hope that he would continue to act as a bridge between Vietnam, FAO, and the international community.