Indonesian Minister of Agriculture, Andi Amran Sulaiman, embarked on an official visit to Vietnam and China, commencing on May 19, 2024. The trip aimed to strengthen agricultural cooperation, starting with a meeting in Hanoi, Vietnam, between Minister Sulaiman and Vietnamese Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Le Minh Hoan, along with other officials. The focus was on enhancing wetland technology to improve rice productivity and crop indices through superior seed varieties, mechanization, and precision agriculture. Both nations also committed to sustainable agricultural practices. During the meeting, Minister Sulaiman emphasized the significance of bilateral cooperation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a Joint Agricultural Working Group. This group will identify and implement concrete plans for mutual agricultural development, including modernizing machinery, improving irrigation, and facilitating market access. Vietnam expressed interest in importing fruits from Indonesia, particularly Bali Salak, given its popularity among Vietnamese consumers. In response to global challenges, Indonesia aims to boost rice production by optimizing wetlands for 2-3 harvests annually. Minister Sulaiman highlighted Indonesia's swift actions in achieving this goal, including expanding planting areas and integrating planting systems. Additionally, both countries underscored the importance of digitalization and precision agriculture to enhance productivity. The total agricultural trade between Indonesia and Vietnam reached USD 1.93 billion in 2023, with Indonesia exporting commodities like palm oil, rubber, cocoa, and tropical fruits. The meeting concluded with the signing of the MoU on Agriculture Cooperation, paving the way for the formation of a Working Group on Agriculture to address market access barriers and mobilize agricultural investment. This visit underscores Indonesia's commitment to fostering agricultural ties and advancing sustainable practices regionally.
Monday, 20 May 2024 10:22
Indonesia and Vietnam Strengthen Cooperation in Wetland Agriculture Technology
