On May 11 in Hanoi, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Vo Van Hung held talks with Ms. Naina Subberwal Batra, Chief Executive Officer of AVPN. The two sides discussed issues related to green agriculture development, climate change adaptation, digital transformation, support for cooperatives, and strengthening Viet Nam’s connections with regional sustainable development initiatives.
Cooperatives seen as key to agricultural transformation
At the meeting, Deputy Minister Vo Van Hung said Viet Nam is making a strong transition from an “agricultural production” mindset to an “agricultural economy” approach, aimed at building a green, circular, low-emission, and higher value-added development model.
According to the Deputy Minister, agriculture continues to play a particularly important role in Viet Nam, where more than 60% of the population lives in rural areas. Throughout difficult periods, the agricultural sector has remained a pillar of the economy while ensuring food security and social welfare. He noted that from being a food-deficit country around 30 years ago, Viet Nam has become one of the world’s leading exporters of agricultural products. In 2025 alone, exports of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products exceeded US$70 billion.
Deputy Minister Vo Van Hung said the sector is gradually shifting from pure production toward value-chain development linked with deep processing, branding, and sustainable consumption. In that process, cooperatives, private enterprises, and the collective economy have been identified as central drivers.
“To develop modern agriculture, it is essential to build value chains in which cooperatives and enterprises serve as the core link connecting farmers with markets,” the Deputy Minister said.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment leader also stressed that climate change is placing increasing pressure on agricultural production, requiring countries to adjust their development models. Viet Nam therefore prioritizes green agriculture solutions, the circular economy, ecosystem protection, and technological innovation.
Deputy Minister Vo Van Hung also praised AVPN’s initiatives in green finance, innovation, and support for vulnerable communities, describing them as aligned with Viet Nam’s current development priorities.
He particularly emphasized the role of digital data and technology in modern agricultural governance. According to him, the application of blockchain technology, the development of sectoral databases, and supply chain management platforms would help improve market forecasting, strengthen disaster risk management, and enhance the transparency of agricultural supply chains.
AVPN looks to expand long-term cooperation with Viet Nam
Speaking at the meeting, Ms. Naina Subberwal Batra said Viet Nam is playing an increasingly important role in Asia’s regional development cooperation network.
She noted that Viet Nam has made positive progress in sustainable agriculture, climate change adaptation, and environmental protection, which are also among AVPN’s priority areas through social investment programs and multi-stakeholder partnerships.
Introducing AVPN, Ms. Naina Subberwal Batra said the organization connects private-sector partners, government agencies, and development organizations to address social and environmental challenges across Asia. Recently, AVPN has expanded its network into West Asia and hopes Viet Nam will engage more deeply in regional cooperation initiatives.
An AVPN representative said the organization is currently implementing the “Climate and Health Lighthouse” initiative, which focuses on mobilizing resources for programs aimed at reducing the impacts of extreme heat, air pollution, and climate change on public health.
Over the past year, AVPN mobilized more than US$10 million for climate- and environment-related programs and plans to invest an additional US$15 million in the near future. According to Ms. Naina Subberwal Batra, Viet Nam is among the countries AVPN prioritizes for future project cooperation opportunities.
She also said that amid growing global instability, particularly conflicts and risks to food security, Asian countries need to take a more proactive role in leading sustainable development initiatives. In that context, Viet Nam is viewed as a promising partner thanks to its dynamic agricultural sector and strong adaptability.
On digital transformation, the AVPN CEO said the organization is working with major technology companies, including Google, to implement programs applying artificial intelligence (AI), improving digital skills, and supporting community livelihoods.
According to her, AVPN is ready to support Viet Nam in expanding AI literacy, improving access to technology for local communities, and narrowing the digital divide in rural areas.
Viet Nam proposes five priority areas for cooperation
At the meeting, Le Duc Thinh, Director General of the Department of Cooperatives and Rural Development, said cooperatives currently play a key role in linking farmers with businesses and markets in agricultural value chains. However, many cooperatives and small enterprises still face challenges related to access to capital, governance capacity, digital transformation, and climate change adaptation.
According to Le Duc Thinh, further support is needed in green finance, technical standards, market information, and capacity building for value-chain participants in order to promote sustainable and multi-value rural economic development.
Based on these needs, the Department of Cooperatives and Rural Development proposed five priority areas of cooperation between the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and AVPN: promoting the application of ESG standards in agriculture; mobilizing green finance to support enterprises, farmers, and cooperatives; supporting communities affected by natural disasters and saltwater intrusion; strengthening technical connectivity and information sharing with international partners; and enhancing the capacity of women and other stakeholders participating in agricultural value chains.
Le Duc Thinh emphasized that rural women play a particularly important role in agricultural development and should be prioritized in programs related to governance, digital transformation, and sustainable development.
In response, Ms. Naina Subberwal Batra sfhaid AVPN is prepared to serve as a bridge connecting Viet Nam with the private sector, investment funds, international organizations, and its member networks in Japan, South Korea, India, and other Asian countries.
The two sides agreed to continue discussions to advance cooperation initiatives in green agriculture, climate finance, digital transformation, and rural community development, contributing to strengthening Viet Nam’s role in regional development cooperation networks.
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