HÀ NỘI — A workshop introducing the Irish food industry was held in Hà Nội on Monday, opening up opportunities for businesses of the two countries to seek investment and co-operation in this field, with a focus on sustainability, health and wellness.

It showcased Ireland’s commitment to sustainable responsible agriculture and its know-how on the creation of a high value, safe and sustainable agri-food sector, and demonstrated Ireland’s eagerness in doing agri-business with Việt Nam.

The workshop was addressed by the Irish Minister of State of Food, Forestry and Horticulture Andrew Doyle, who is leading an agri-food trade mission to Việt Nam on September 5-7 to advance Ireland-Việt Nam relations in agri-business. The delegation includes representatives of more than 20 Irish dairy and meat companies.

Doyle said the workshop was aimed at expanding Ireland’s footprint in Việt Nam, a key target market for Irish agri-food exports. It would also serve as a key networking opportunity for Irish companies with major Vietnamese buyers, he added.

Agri-food exports from Ireland to Việt Nam last year continued their steady growth, increasing from around €35 million in 2013 to almost €40 million in 2015, he said. Exports of Irish food comprised mostly of dairy food products, pig meat, beverages, seafood and prepared foods.

“2016 is also looking to be a very positive year so far. This reflects the strong strategic partnerships being built between Vietnamese and Irish food companies,” he said.

He added that Ireland was willing to share with Việt Nam experience and technology in creating safe, sustainable and high-value farm produce.

Deputy Head of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development’s International Cooperation Department Chu Văn Chuông said Việt Nam encouraged the participation of private businesses in the process of agricultural restructure, including those from other countries such as Ireland.

The conference is followed by “A Taste of Ireland” Networking Event, where individual Irish food exporters and Vietnamese food buyers had an opportunity to share experiences on successfully conducting business between Ireland and Việt Nam.

On the same day, Doyle met Vietnamese Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyễn Xuân Cường to discuss measures to boost the two countries’ cooperation in agriculture. — VNS