On April 11, horticulture industry leaders are set to gather in Ho Chi Minh City for “HortiFuture Vietnam,” a conference organized by the Netherlands Economic Trade Mission, GrowAsia and VNUE Asia Pacific to showcase innovations being adopted in the country. Together over 150 invited delegates during a half-day program will envision the future growth of Vietnamese horticulture industry and map out how to ensure that smallholders benefit from the shift into quality, high-value added produce.
The fruit and vegetables sector is both dynamic and promising. Not only is domestic consumption robust, but exports are growing rapidly. In 2017, fruit and vegetable exports reached a record $3.5 billion for year-on-year growth of 43% and exceeding the export value of some key export products such as rice, oil and gas. However, despite rapid growth and a positive outlook, there are challenges resulting from the lack of export market diversification and high wastage rates. Moreover, smallholders face significant barriers to adopting new technologies, including lack of financing and high barriers to entry. HortiFuture Vietnam will look at pathways for technology providers and buyers to support smallholder adoption.
Featuring distinguished guests from the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Vietnamese government, the conference is also part of the trade mission led by the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. HortiFuture Vietnam will feature visionary growers like Vineco and The Fruit Republic followed by industry inspirators like Meiny Prins from Priva and Harm Haverkort from Agriterra. Future technologies are aiming to create a united industry, putting Vietnam as innovators on the global map.
Willem Schoustra, Agricultural counsellor to Vietnam with the Netherlands Embassy: “I am amazed by the great potential of Vietnam in terms of agriculture, particular in horticulture. Vietnam’s ambition is huge and to become a strong regional and global player. The Netherlands is a strong partner with a high quality and innovative agricultural sector. I am looking forward how new concepts and ideas can contribute to future agriculture development and strengthen The Netherlands and Vietnamese economic partnership”.
Somang Yang, Partnership Manager of GrowAsia: “We look forward to hearing from industry stakeholders about how they plan to support smallholders to capitalize on the opportunity for Vietnam’s horticulture. This event will be an important milestone in setting the momentum towards a collective action towards a more sustainable and inclusive future.”
Manuel Madani, Project Manager Horticulture of VNU E. Asia Pacific: “Industry dynamics between innovators and the majority smallholder growers are herein key for further developments. Learning from previous success cases like in the Netherlands who became the world’s largest tomato exporter and South Korea who have built a strong foundation for innovation this has proven to be successful. Once people understand that working more united the entire industry will grow equally and everybody will benefit.
Vietnam, the 6th economy in Southeast Asia is catching up quickly with its young and eager workforce of 55 million people. We hope we can call on the leaders to educate and share technologies to one another”.
HortiFuture takes place on April 11 2019 at the Rex Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
For more information:
www.hortifuture-asia.com