China, Vietnam See Broad Scope for High-Tech Agricultural Cooperation

Vietnam and China are exploring a broad scope for cooperation in high-tech agriculture, aiming to inject fresh momentum into their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. This collaboration is seen as contributing to the realization of common perceptions reached by high-ranking leaders of both countries, fostering mutual benefit, shared development, and a shared future. Central to this cooperation is the application of Industry 4.0 technologies, including the Internet of Things (IoT), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and biotechnology. Professor Tan Jian Ping, Director of the Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Technologies for Agricultural Advancement and a Zero-Waste Economy (STARGAZE) at Xiamen University Malaysia, emphasizes the critical role of these advanced technologies in Vietnam's agricultural sector for sustainable development. The scheme to sustainably develop 1 million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice in the Mekong Delta by 2030 is expected to significantly benefit from such technological innovations. Leveraging its 17 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), stable investment environment, improving production capacity, and strategic location in Southeast Asia, Vietnam remains a prime destination for international corporations and buyers seeking new supply sources. This attractiveness extends beyond agriculture, with foreign direct investment (FDI) continuing to surge in manufacturing. In northern Vietnam, demand for ready-built factories that can be put into operation quickly has been particularly strong. Vietnam's agro-forestry-fishery exports in August showed resilience, estimated at US$6.47 billion, a 3.5% decrease from the previous month but a 3.6% year-on-year increase. The country is also expanding its organic farming areas, with approximately 2,353 hectares meeting organic standards, including significant spice cultivation areas certified by international bodies such as USDA, EU, and JAS, enhancing its capacity for exporting high-quality agricultural products. Through strengthened cooperation with China, Vietnam aims to accelerate the modernization of its agricultural sector, making it a new engine for economic growth. This move aligns with Vietnam's economic development strategy under its one-party system, seeking to upgrade domestic industries while deepening international partnerships. Source: VietnamPlus English