DAVOS, Switzerland – January 17, 2024
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Hoang Trung held a productive meeting with Daan Wensing, the CEO and Chair of the Executive Board of IDH during the 2024 annual World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. The meeting focused on Vietnam’s efforts to adapt to the European Union Deforestation-Free Products Regulation (EUDR).
Deputy Minister Hoang Trung expressed gratitude for IDH’s support and assistance in Vietnam’s agriculture sector, particularly in aligning with EUDR. He highlighted urgent measures taken by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, including consultations with relevant ministries to formulate an Action Plan for EUDR adaptation in Q1 2024.
The Ministry actively engages localities in developing and implementing EUDR adaptation plans, emphasising monitoring high-risk areas and collaborating with relevant agencies. To enhance compliance, the Ministry is working with international organisations, including IDH, to build a national forest database, update field maps, and delineate deforestation risk zones.
Deputy Minister Hoang Trung urged continued support from IDH in developing and testing technical solutions to meet EUDR requirements. He emphasized the need for cooperation from ministries, localities, industry associations, and farmer businesses, along with support from the EU and international organizations.
IDH CEO, Daan Wensing, expressed sincere thanks for the Deputy Minister’s commitment despite his busy schedule. He acknowledged the Ministry’s support over the past 15 years, particularly in coffee and spice products. Wensing highlighted the cooperative relationship and expressed readiness to facilitate dialogues for global organizations, corporations, and companies to support Vietnam in meeting EUDR regulations.
On the regulatory front, EUDR, implemented on May 16, 2023, prohibits importing products causing deforestation after December 31, 2020. Coffee, rubber, wood, and wood products, key industries in Vietnam, are significantly affected. EUDR regulations will be enforced for large and medium-sized enterprises from January 1, 2025, and for small and micro enterprises from July 1, 2025.
In related events, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh thanked the Swiss Government for hosting the WEF Davos 2024 Conference, where he met with President Viola Amherd. The leaders affirmed the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Switzerland, expressing commitment to flexible negotiations on trade agreements to benefit businesses and investors of both countries.
This article was originally published on: Vietnam Agriculture