Deputy Minister Tran Thanh Nam emphasized that President Luong Cuong's recent state visit to Egypt has brought important results, in which agriculture is one of the contents of cooperation. Immediately after the visit, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment was tasked with researching and advising on the ideas for the signing of an agricultural trade agreement with the Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture and Land.
We are completely in agreement with this initiative. The space for developing agricultural trade between the two countries is very large, while currently the import-export turnover of agricultural products between the two countries is less than 50 million USD, accounting for a very small proportion of the total trade turnover of more than 500 million USD, said Deputy Minister Tran Thanh Nam.
Due to the remote geographical distance and similar climate conditions (the Chinese side also produces some key Vietnamese products such as mangoes, dragon fruit, etc.), fresh fruit is not an export commodity with Vietnam's strengths to Egypt. However, Vietnam is promoting the opening of the market for rice products to Egypt.
At the second meeting of the Vietnam - Egypt Trade and Industry Cooperation Subcommittee in August 2021, the Egyptian side proposed support in opening the market for fertilizers. Vietnam has informed about encouraging organic fertilizers.
The Deputy Minister also reiterated that the two Ministries of Agriculture have signed a memorandum of understanding on technical cooperation in the fields of fisheries and agriculture, but have not mentioned much about the trade aspect. We hope to discuss a common goal with Egypt to focus on agricultural trade, especially key products that both sides have strengths and needs for, he said.
Spokesperson of the Egyptian Embassy in Vietnam Adham Omar shared with the cooperation vision from Vietnam. He said that Egypt is implementing a green agricultural development strategy and attaches importance to establishing long-term relations with partners with stable supply capacity.
We highly appreciate Vietnams socio-economic development achievements and agricultural export capacity, especially for rice and seafood products, said the spokesperson. He reiterated that in 2018, when the Egyptian President visited Vietnam, the two countries signed a cooperation agreement in agriculture, and now an opportunity is opening up for the two sides to sign a new memorandum of understanding, focusing on rice trade.
According to Mr. Omar, over the past 10 years, Egypt has improved land, expanded the cultivated area by a quarter and gradually increased production. Some items as committed are eligible for export, but this country still has to import rice due to high consumption demand. He said that in order for agricultural trade to develop, the two sides need to carefully consider price factors, competitiveness, tariff and non-taxable conditions.
The Egyptian Defense spokesperson proposed that the two sides establish a joint working group, regularly connecting online, with the participation of competent authorities to exchange more deeply, quickly resolve problems and promote effective cooperation.
In response, Deputy Minister Tran Thanh Nam affirmed his agreement with this mechanism, assigning the Department of International Cooperation as the focal point for coordination with the Egyptian side. He also emphasized the importance of agreeing on the time of signing the Protocol, and suggested considering the possibility of a separate agreement on rice.
The quality of Vietnamese rice is affirmed as this commodity is now present in more than 150 countries and territories, said the Deputy Minister. He suggested that Egypt study its annual rice import demand, in the opposite direction, when the two sides agreed on trade cooperation, Vietnam committed to ensuring adequate supply for the needs of the other side. In the immediate future, the Egyptian Embassy can introduce businesses interested in importing rice to connect with the Vietnamese side, thereby building a feasible agreement.
In addition to rice, the Egyptian side hopes that Vietnam will open the door for some more fruits. Deputy Minister Tran Thanh Nam announced that up to now, Egyptian fresh grapes have been unified on plant quarantine and can be exported to Vietnam.
The Deputy Minister reiterated that in addition to grapes, Egypt proposed that Vietnam open the next priority market for potatoes, dates and fresh pomegranates. Accordingly, the Deputy Minister suggested that the opposing side soon issue a document determining the priority order for both sides to promote the procedures.
Deputy Minister Tran Thanh Nam also emphasized that for agricultural trade cooperation to become practical, there is nothing more effective than directly connecting businesses. We propose organizing a forum to promote agricultural products, creating opportunities for businesses of the two countries to meet and exchange needs and cooperation capabilities, the Deputy Minister suggested.
