Hanoi, Viet Nam. A symposium was held in Hanoi among the Ministry of Planning and Investment and members of the Development Partners Group in Viet Nam, including the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), to discuss and collect opinions on policy recommendations for the building of a socio-economic development strategy for the 2021-2030 period.

On behalf of other member agencies, FAO delivered a brief summary and key strategic recommendations on a position paper regarding "Restructuring Vietnam's Agriculture and Rural Economy during 2012-2030". Mr. Albert T. Lieberg, FAO Representative in Viet Nam, highly appreciated that the Minister of Planning and Investment chaired this important meeting and highlighted that Viet Nam has made great progress in reducing poverty, achieving food security, as well as enhancing economic growth and socio-economic development. However, it is undeniable that “rural and agricultural communities continue to be among the poorest and most vulnerable segments of the population, especially in remote areas” and “agricultural growth was achieved to a considerable extent also at the expense of the natural environment, particularly depletion of natural resources, increasing greenhouse gas emissions, as well as triggering critical rural-urban migration.”

FAO and other members of the position paper proposed a number of recommendations for the government of Viet Nam to take into consideration. The main proposal includes the following suggestions:

1. Strengthening resilience of farming communities towards climate change and natural disasters

2. Reversing the continuous rural urban drain – making the rural and agricultural setting more attractive for the youth

3. Transforming agricultural and food systems to become healthier, environmentally sustainable, and more equitable

4. Addressing malnutrition, dietary changes, and food safety concerns

5. Reducing land disputes and the conversion of agricultural land to urban and industrial uses

6. Strengthening and improving water management - governance and security

7. Strengthening rural economic organizations and business cooperatives

8. Incentivizing private sector investments in agri-business and value chain development

Speaking at the event, Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung expressed his gratitude for the opinions from FAO and other development partners. He underlined the significance of the continuous support from the Development Partners Group in Viet Nam to address strategic issues and challenges facing the country.