Hanoi, Viet Nam. Vietnamese officials representing the International Cooperation Department (ICD) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) met with the Ambassador of Nigeria to Viet Nam, H.E. Mr. Hassan Adamu Mamani, and the FAO Representative in Viet Nam Mr. Rémi Nono Womdim, to further discuss South-South and Triangular Cooperation between the two countries. The proposed initiative will focus on rice production.

Viet Nam has grown to become a nation producing rice and other agricultural products in surplus, after a long period of being dependent on imports. For rice, the uniqueness of Viet Nam lies in simple but effective techniques that are cost-effective and easy to learn and transfer. Nigeria is a large country in West Africa – a region that imports about 20 per cent of the global rice export stock. This collaboration could be instrumental when facing the rising global challenge of food insecurity, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The two countries will continue discussing closely and begin planning for a delegation visit of Vietnamese experts and officials to Nigeria, facilitated by FAO.