Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - A project promoting the supply and demand ofeco-fair agri-food processing products in Vietnam was officially launched in Hanoion November 24.

The project is also expected to contribute to economic prosperity, povertyreduction, the development of sustainable livelihoods and a green economyfor a transition towards a low-carbon, resource-efficient and circular economyin Vietnam.

Funded by the European Commission, the Vietnam Rural Industries Research andDevelopment Institute (VIRI) will cooperate with other organisations such asthe Centre For Creativity and Sustainability (CCS), Vietnam Cleaner ProductionCentre Co Ltd (VNCPC) and Funzilife Ltd. to implement the project.

The Eco-Fair project targeted to achieve the Millennium Development Goals(MDGs) such as no poverty, equality and responsible consumption.

Speaking at the launching ceremony, Nguyen Bao Thoa, VIRI’s Director, said:“Eco-fair products are reputable in regard to their quality and healthbenefits, and consumers can use them safely. Consumption of sustainableproducts gives consumers the feeling of doing something meaningful andrepresents the demonstration of positive values in changing the negative trendsof modern-day human consumption.

“They help to reduce the negative impacts of human consumption on many aspectsof the natural environment such as pollution, soil erosion, and shortages inresources. By choosing these products, consumers help to change the mindset ofsociety in general and contribute to the promotion of sustainable developmentfor generations to come.”

In many countries, eco-agriculture and fair trade are emerging as a rewardingagricultural development strategy. The newly signed EVFTA (European Union-VietnamFree Trade Agreement) between the EU and Vietnam has a specific clause relatedto promoting eco-fair products in the context of many existing challenges.

“Eco-fair products are those which have achieved sustainability certificationfocusing on environmental and social aspects,” she added.

Businesses participating in the project therefore could improve their brandimage, demonstrating corporate responsibility towards the environment andsociety. They could build a safe and equal working environment for employees,improving labour productivity. More importantly, they would meet the increasingrequirements of customers for environmentally and socially responsible productsas well as building their capacity for sustainable production and marketpromotion.

The project expected to provide training for 1,000 micro, small and mediumenterprises (MSMEs). Some 200 MSMEs would be quickly assessed on RECP whileanother 200 eco-fair products would be commercialised; 500,000 consumers wouldbe reached with awareness raising courses; 100 MSMEs would be supported inaccessing green finance, new product development, clean technology and Eco-Faircertification.

In addition, firms achieving the Eco-Fair certificate would be connectedwith customers whose demand to buy sustainable products worldwide with expectedsales increased by at least 30 percent for four sub-sectors of cashew, rice,vegetable processing and fruit processing./.