On November 13, 2024, EuroCham Vice Chair Mr. Jean-Jacques Bouflet and Executive Director Mrs. Delphine Rousselet represented EuroCham at the Vietnam FoodExpo 2024. Organised by Vietrade and the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) in collaboration with the European Union (EU), the event brought together key stakeholders to discuss Vietnam’s agricultural export potential in the context of sustainable practices.
Key Highlights from the Seminar
As part of the session Green Transition in Agriculture and Food Production for Promoting Vietnam Export to EU, Mr. Jean-Jacques Bouflet addressed the challenges and opportunities for Vietnamese enterprises exporting agricultural products to the EU amidst evolving regulations.
Mr. Bouflet highlighted the necessity for Vietnamese businesses to align with the EU’s green standards to sustain and expand their market access. The EU Green Deal, including policies such as the Farm to Fork Strategy and the Deforestation-Free Products Regulation, highlights sustainable production, environmental transparency, and reduced impact on natural resources. These policies demand a significant shift in production practices.
Pathways for Vietnamese Enterprises
To meet these stringent requirements, Mr. Bouflet emphasised several key actions for Vietnamese enterprises:
- Adopt Eco-Friendly Practices: Embrace sustainable farming methods to align with EU expectations.
- Secure Global Certifications: Obtain certifications like GlobalG.A.P. and Organic to meet market requirements.
- Implement Traceability Systems: Leverage technologies such as blockchain to enhance product transparency.
- Prepare for Carbon Reporting: Anticipate future compliance with the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.
Mr. Bouflet also noted the EU’s support for Vietnam’s green transition through programs like NDC Agriculture, EFSD+ guarantees, and STAR-FARM, offering funding and guidance for sustainable agricultural transformation.
EuroCham’s Commitment
EuroCham remains dedicated to assisting Vietnamese businesses in navigating the green transition. By embracing sustainability and leveraging EU support, enterprises can enhance competitiveness, access premium markets, and solidify their reputation for environmentally responsible production.
The Vietnam FoodExpo 2024 provided an invaluable platform for collaboration and exchange, reinforcing the shared goal of sustainable growth and successful integration of Vietnam’s agricultural exports into the EU market.
