Vietnamese Ambassador to Bulgaria Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet and Bulgarian Minister of Agriculture and Food Plamen Abrovski discussed ways to expand bilateral agricultural cooperation at a recent meeting in Sofia, with a focus on areas where the two sides can develop practical links between government agencies, research institutions, universities and businesses.

The Bulgarian side highlighted the potential for cooperation with Vietnam in agricultural trade, scientific research, training and technology transfer.

Bulgaria also offered to share experience in sustainable agriculture, forest management and development, combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, as well as crop production, livestock farming and the development of crop varieties adapted to climate change.

The Bulgarian side also highlighted its strengths in agricultural research and technology and expressed interest in expanding exchanges of experts, researchers and students between research institutes and universities in the two countries.

Connecting institutions and businesses

Ambassador Nguyet stressed the need to turn Vietnam – Bulgaria strong political ties and strategic partnership framework into specific and practical cooperation programmes.

She proposed closer links among government agencies, research institutes, universities and businesses, with a focus on areas including crop varieties, post-harvest technology, livestock farming, veterinary medicine, sustainable fisheries, forestry, green agriculture and digital technologies.

As an initial step, she proposed organising online business-to-research institution meetings to identify potential partners and specific areas of interest, paving the way for field visits and direct exchanges.

She also asked Bulgaria to introduce research institutes, universities and experts whose expertise matches Vietnam’s needs.

The two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation in animal and plant quarantine, food safety and technical standards for agricultural products, which could help facilitate bilateral agricultural trade.

In science, technology and human-resource development, the ambassador proposed expanding exchanges of experts and researchers, as well as short-term training programmes and field visits.

She also suggested exploring suitable programmes and funding from the European Union and international organisations to support agricultural research, training and technology transfer.

From national institutions to local partnerships

Beyond cooperation between ministries and research institutions, Ambassador Nguyet proposed that Bulgaria introduce localities with strengths in agriculture, livestock farming, processing and agricultural technology to suitable counterparts in Vietnam.

Based on their specific needs, the two sides could explore pilot cooperation models involving individual businesses or research institutions.

The ambassador also stressed the necessity of promoting ministerial-level visits and working meetings to facilitate direct exchanges among agencies, businesses and local authorities and identify further cooperation opportunities.

The meeting helped identify additional areas for agricultural cooperation as Vietnam and Bulgaria work to translate their strategic partnership into concrete initiatives.

Greater exchanges of expertise, stronger links in science and technology, human-resource training and expanded agricultural trade could provide further avenues for bilateral cooperation in the sector.

Source: VOV

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