Signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding on agricultural cooperation between the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the People's Government of Guangxi (China). (Source: VOV)

The signing of the memorandum was made during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's trip to attend the 20th China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) and China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (CABIS) in Nanning City, Guangxi Province (China).

Accordingly, the two sides agreed to jointly promote and develop cooperation in agriculture and rural development as well as promote trade and investment in the agricultural sector.

Strive towards the goal of sustainable growth in agricultural and aquatic product trade and agricultural investment between the two countries within the next 3 years; creatively form and develop cross-border agricultural supply chains with the participation of businesses from both countries and achieve solid results in cooperation in agriculture and rural development.

There are four main contents of the cooperation memorandum between the two sides, including: Strengthening cooperation in agriculture and rural development; cooperation in speeding up customs clearance of agricultural and aquatic products; promoting trade and investment development in agricultural and aquatic products; and forming a mechanism to serve businesses and the market.

Specifically, in terms of enhancing cooperation in agriculture and rural development, the two sides focus on exchanging and cooperating in modern agricultural cultivation techniques for crops and livestock, deepening cooperation in cross-border agricultural production and processing such as the sugar industry, and building a "cross-border livestock - slaughter - processing complex" in the border area between China and Vietnam.

Strengthen cooperation in research, development and promotion of the use of agricultural machinery and equipment, encourage the exchange and application of agricultural machinery technology in mountainous areas, and enhance trade and exchange of agricultural machinery and equipment between the two sides.

At the same time, the two sides will coordinate to upgrade the level of monitoring the quality and safety of agricultural and aquatic products, strengthen regulations on agricultural inputs, and control the quality of agricultural and aquatic products at the source.

Close cooperation in the field of animal disease prevention and control, forecasting, control and prevention of crop pests, research on technical exchange mechanisms and coordination in the prevention and control of crop and livestock diseases.

Cooperate in building animal disease-free zones or biosecurity quarantine zones and high-yield crop growing areas in border areas to protect agricultural production; Provide support in materials and equipment to improve the capacity to prevent and control animal and plant diseases in border areas.

The two sides will promote talent training, deepen cooperation in agricultural vocational training, and encourage exchanges and cooperation between agricultural schools, such as Guangxi Agricultural Vocational University, Vietnam Agricultural Academy, Water Resources University, Forestry University, Bac Giang Agricultural and Forestry University, and related agricultural vocational colleges.

Regarding cooperation in accelerating customs clearance of agricultural and aquatic products, the two sides will strengthen connections with functional units to proactively promote procedures related to bilateral agricultural and aquatic product exports at the local and departmental levels, such as the export of Chinese sturgeon to Vietnam and the export of coconut, lychee, grapefruit, seafood, and other agricultural products from Vietnam to China.

Upgrade and improve border gate infrastructure to effectively serve China-Vietnam cross-border agricultural, forestry and fishery trade; provide timely information on the volume of agricultural, forestry and fishery clearance and other information in case of congestion or risk of congestion at the border gate.

Based on the conditions and needs at the border gates on both sides, study the establishment of a specialized supervision department for imported and exported animals and plants and animal and plant products, and promote the corresponding trade in agricultural and aquatic products. Coordinate with relevant agencies to promote the construction of smart border gates and apply appropriate technology to improve customs clearance capabilities.

At the local and sectoral levels (Department/Office), proactively promote a mechanism to verify the issuance of quarantine certificates for seafood and food exports to China, sign additional agreements on inspection and quarantine procedures for fruit import and export between China and Vietnam. Implement AEO certification (Accredited Economic Operator) for enterprises importing and exporting fruits and other agricultural products.

To promote the development of trade and investment in agricultural and aquatic products, the two sides proactively promote the export of agricultural and aquatic products, organize agricultural trade and agricultural investment events, and organize enterprises to participate in economic and trade exchange activities, including the China-ASEAN Expo and product display activities.

Commit to exchange principles, regulations, management, standards and other legal aspects of agricultural and aquatic product trade cooperation. Promote mutual recognition of agricultural and aquatic product standards and develop bilateral trade in high-quality agricultural and aquatic products.

Facilitate and promote cooperation between agricultural enterprises of the two countries. Build mutually beneficial cross-border supply chains and industry chains to enhance trade and investment in agriculture.

Regarding the establishment of a mechanism to serve businesses and the market, the two sides will exploit and create a new model for agricultural businesses to exchange and cooperate in the agricultural sector. Provide relevant policy information, including updates on new policies, especially measures to manage bilateral agricultural trade, standards, product specifications, etc.