Illustrative image (Source: VNA) HCM City (VNA) – Ho Chi Minh Cityhopes to receive support and cooperation from Australia in developing high-techagriculture, especially in processing farm produce.
Chairman of the municipal People’s CommitteeNguyen Thanh Phong made the statement at a reception for visiting AustralianMinister for Agriculture Bridget McKenzie on August 30.
He said the city is developing high-techagriculture and restructuring towards urban agriculture, so it wants tostrengthen cooperation with Australia through transferring technology andsharing experience in the field.
The official asked Australia to support localagriculture exporters to improve packaging and preservation of products whilecontrolling quality and food safety to access the market.
He proposed the Australian minister supportexperience sharing activities in developing high-tech agriculture between thetwo sides and make it easier for the entry of fruits and farm produce ofVietnam, particularly of the Mekong Delta and southeastern regions, to themarket.
McKenzie said therelations between Australia and Vietnam are thriving in various fields,especially agriculture, adding that the bilateral cooperation in this fieldwill also create a foundation for stronger collaboration in other realms suchas environment and biological science research.
She said the two countries’ agriculturalproducts are being sold in the respective markets and are likely to increase inboth quality and value.
As Ho Chi Minh City is a key destination in theVietnam-Australia agriculture cooperation strategy, the country is willing toshare its experience and transfer technology to help the southern city ensurefood safety as well as provide technical guidance for local farmers.
Australia is also ready to boost cooperation inconnection activities for businesses and people of the two sides, she added.
Currently, with 182 projects worth 188 millionUSD, Australia is ranking 17th among the 106 countries and territoriesinvesting in the city.
In 2018, trade between the southern economic huband Australia reached 1 billion USD and 507 million USD in the first six monthsof 2019.
Australia has been among the top 10 countrieswith the largest number of tourists to HCM City over the past years.-VNA
VNA
