Vietnam – The role of public-private partnerships (PPP) in attracting investments is critical for the implementation of a sustainable development project for low-emission, high-quality rice production across one million hectares in the Mekong Delta by 2030. This strategy, as discussed by insiders, is essential for enhancing the rice production value chain, increasing farmers’ incomes, ensuring sustainable development amid climate change, and contributing to green growth.
According to Vietnam News Agency, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Tran Thanh Nam, highlighted that the project will concentrate on reducing production costs for farmers and expanding carbon-certified rice production. Le Thanh Tung, Deputy Director of the Crop Production Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), emphasized the importance of mobilizing components in the value chain through PPP programmes for successful project implementation. He pointed out that promoting advanced farming techniques is vital for resolving farmers’ difficulties and developing a sustainable rice production chain.
The establishment of a PPP task force on rice is aimed at enhancing linkages in sustainable rice production and leveraging agricultural technology to support the rice industry’s activities. Le Quoc Thanh, Director of the National Agricultural Extension Centre, sees the project as an opportunity to reposition Vietnam’s rice sector and calls for the involvement of private sectors, businesses, and producers.
Misha Rabat, Head of Sustainable Value Chains at Grow Asia, expressed the organization’s intent to connect public and private sector partners and mobilize resources from funds to support food system innovation. This approach is expected to improve the rice industry’s adaptation to climate change and increase incomes for rice farmers.
Vietnamese businesses have shown interest and willingness to participate in the project. Chairman of Loc Troi Group, Huynh Van Thon, shared that the firm has organized production based on chain and cooperative models, incorporating technologies in production activities.
The rice sector in Vietnam plays a pivotal role in ensuring food security, creating jobs, and generating income for 9.3 million rural households, significantly contributing to hunger eradication and poverty reduction. Vietnam currently exports rice to over 150 countries and territories, representing more than 15% of the global rice exports.