The potential for cooperation between Vietnam and Egypt in the agricultural sector is enormous.

The potential for agricultural cooperation is enormous

Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Deputy Minister Tran Thanh Nam stated that the recent state visit by Vietnamese President Nguyen Xuan Phuc to Egypt achieved significant results, with agricultural cooperation being one of the key topics discussed. Currently, Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is working with Egypt's Ministry of Agriculture and Land to explore the possibility of signing an agricultural trade agreement to deepen bilateral trade cooperation.

Deputy Minister Tran Thanh Nam pointed out that the potential for agricultural trade between Vietnam and Egypt is enormous, but the current total is still less than $50 million, accounting for only a small portion of the $500 million in bilateral trade. Vietnam has a clear advantage in rice, aquatic products, and coffee, while Egypt is a major supplier of cotton and fertilizers. Due to the vast geographical distance and similar climatic conditions, Vietnam's export of fresh fruits to Egypt is not competitive, but rice is a key area of cooperation between the two countries.

He emphasized: "Although the agricultural departments of both countries have signed a memorandum of understanding on technical cooperation in the fields of fisheries and agriculture, there is still room for further expansion in the trade field. We hope to strengthen in-depth cooperation with Egypt in agricultural trade, especially in key products where both sides have complementary advantages."

Promoting the signing of rice supply agreements

Adheam Omar, the acting chargé d'affaires of the Egyptian Embassy in Vietnam, stated that Egypt is actively implementing a green agricultural development strategy and attaches importance to establishing long-term cooperative relationships with partners that have stable supply capabilities. He highly praised Vietnam's achievements in the field of agricultural exports, particularly the significant progress made in rice and aquatic products.

Adheam Omar recalled that during the visit of the Egyptian President to Vietnam in 2018, the two sides had already signed an agricultural cooperation agreement, and now they have the conditions to further sign a new memorandum focusing on rice trade cooperation. He suggested that both sides establish a joint working group, communicate regularly online, involve relevant authorities in discussions, promptly address existing issues, and improve cooperation efficiency.

Deputy Minister Tran Thanh Nam agreed with this and entrusted the International Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development as the main liaison unit, while suggesting that both sides quickly determine the time to sign the letter of intent and consider drafting a separate rice supply agreement. He also suggested that Egypt study its annual rice import needs so that Vietnam can provide a supply plan that meets actual requirements.

In addition to rice, Egypt hopes Vietnam will expand market access for some fruits. Currently, Egyptian fresh grapes have completed the phytosanitary procedures and can be exported to Vietnam, and in the future, Egypt hopes Vietnam will open its market to products such as potatoes, dates, and pomegranates.

Deputy Minister Tran Thanh Nam pointed out that the most effective way to promote agricultural trade cooperation is for enterprises to connect directly. Vietnam suggested holding an agricultural promotion forum to provide a platform for enterprises from both countries to exchange and cooperate, driving more substantial results in Vietnam-Egypt agricultural cooperation.