FAO: A strategic partner in Vietnam’s agricultural transformation

Minister Do Duc Duy congratulated Mr. Ahuja on officially assuming his post on June 3 and acknowledged FAO’s significant contributions to Vietnam in recent years. Under the tenure of Mr. Rémi Nono Womdim (2021–2025), FAO provided technical and financial support for key initiatives, including the National Action Plan to transform the food system toward transparency, responsibility, and sustainability by 2030.

Minister Do Duc Duy meets new FAO Representative Vinod Ahuja in Hanoi on 8 July to discuss cooperation on green agriculture, food security, and climate adaptation

Vietnam aims to maintain its agricultural exports and expand to new markets, targeting an export value of USD 65 billion in 2025. To achieve this goal, FAO’s support in research, technology transfer, and international cooperation remains crucial. The Minister highlighted FAO’s involvement in practical initiatives such as developing Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) methods for the one-million-hectare program on high-quality, low-emission rice in the Mekong Delta, and promoting the “One Health” multi-sectoral national plan linking human, animal, and environmental health.

“These efforts,” the Minister stressed, “are essential to encourage the participation of smallholder farmers, enhance food safety and nutrition, and protect the environment.”

The new FAO representative and his “three commitments”

In his remarks, Mr. Vinod Ahuja expressed his honor to take on this responsibility in Viet Nam and outlined three guiding commitments for his tenure: “For Vietnam, with Vietnam, and from Vietnam.” He pledged to make concrete contributions while also learning from and sharing Viet Nam’s successful experiences in sustainable agricultural development.

The Minister stressed FAO’s role in supporting Viet Nam’s agricultural restructuring and climate commitments, including COP26 and COP28

Mr. Ahuja noted that his appointment comes at a time when Vietnam is advancing bold reforms, especially in agriculture and environmental management. FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu entrusted him with this mission in recognition of Vietnam’s vision and strategic orientation for agricultural development.

One of the earliest events under his tenure will be the High-Level Forum on Sharing Experiences with the “One Commune One Product” (OCOP) program, scheduled for July 15–16. According to him, the forum will not only allow Vietnam to share its achievements but also disseminate policies that have inspired many other countries.

Cooperation outlook for 2026–2030

Minister Do Duc Duy called on FAO to continue close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment in implementing ongoing projects, while also working together to design concrete cooperation programs for 2026–2030. The focus, he emphasized, should be on adjusting objectives and approaches to align with Viet Nam’s path toward green, low-emission, and internationally integrated agriculture.

Agriculture currently contributes around 12% of Viet Nam’s GDP and provides livelihoods for more than 60% of the rural population. The Minister underlined that FAO’s partnership will play a vital role in helping Viet Nam restructure its agricultural sector while meeting international commitments on sustainable development and climate action, including pledges made at COP26 and COP28.

Concluding the meeting, Minister Do Duc Duy reaffirmed: “You have come here for Viet Nam, with Viet Nam, and from Viet Nam. We are ready to walk alongside you so that your tenure will truly fulfill these three commitments.”

Minh Thao