India boosts agricultural cooperation with Mekong Delta

India wants to deepen co-operation with Mekong Delta on building hi-tech agriculture, promoting trade in fruits and vegetables. — Photo kenhnongsan

TIỀN GIANG — Agriculture is a key field of co-operation between India and Việt Nam, especially the Mekong Delta region – the largest granary in the country, said an official. 

Speaking at a workshop held in the Mekong Delta province of Tiền Giang on Tuesday, Indian Ambassador to Việt Nam, Parvathaneni Harish, said farm produce and processed food continue to account for a large proportion in bilateral trade. 

Indian companies have poured a remarkable amount of investment in Việt Nam in recent years, focusing on key commodities such as sugar, tea, coffee and pepper, as well as seeds and agricultural equipment, he said. 

The ambassador suggested the two nations should focus co-operation on building hi-tech agriculture, promoting trade in fruits, vegetables and aquatic products, developing harvest and post-harvest technologies, training high-quality human resources for agriculture and studying varieties and advanced cultivation techniques. 

Võ Hùng Dũng, director of the Việt Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI)’s Branch in Cần Thơ City, said the Mekong Delta is the country’s largest agricultural production region, which also has a favourable business environment. 

The Mekong Delta also has the conditions necessary to further promote international integration and co-operation, he said, adding that India is one of the most important partners of the region. 

Chairman of the provincial Tiền Giang People’s Committee, Lê Văn Hưởng, said the outcome of the workshop will help the region foster the development of sustainable agriculture, shifting from quantity to quality and from chemical agriculture to organic and hi-tech agriculture