President Nguyen Xuan Phuc (Photo: VNA)In his remarks, President Phuc noted “cooperation amongcountries, partners, and actors within the food systems must serve the interestof the people”. He stressed that food security lays the groundwork for Vietnam’s efforts ineradicating poverty, improving the people’s living standards, promoting the“transparent, responsible and sustainable” development of the Vietnameseagriculture.
In that spirit, the Vietnamese State leader made several proposals to ensure food security inthe context of climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Vietnamese President highlighted the necessity to pursuea “multi-value” agricultural development model, encompassingsocio-economic-cultural issues, landscapes and the environment.
It is necessary to develop a green, low-emission and“nature-based” agriculture that is climate resilient and responsive to thecomplicated evolution of COVID-19, he stated, adding that priority should begiven to promoting rural economic development, ensuring food supplies, reducingfood loss and food waste, effectively managing natural resources, andbiodiversity conservation.
He called for investment in agricultural infrastructure conducive to agricultural production and rural economic development, noting that private sectors should be encouraged to make responsible investment. , andwe should also better expand public-private partnership models.
He suggested formulating and frequentlyupdating a National Nutrition-Balanced Plan as the basis for production and distribution, adding that it is also essential that we stepup education and information dissemination to create a healthy food system,appropriate and nutrition-balanced diets, and green and responsible consumptiontrends, while preventing wastefulness.
President Phuc also said digitalisation needs to be accompanied by policy and institutional reforms thatrevolve around farmers and consumers. It is also necessary to form sustainableagricultural value chains, focusing on food safety and standardisation ofprocedures and qualities.
At the same time, to sustainably develop the food systems, it is essential to expandinternational cooperation in conducting studies and forecasts, and buildingearly warning systems for natural disasters and diseases; and to ensure thesustainable management of land and water resources, biodiversity, cross-borderwater and marine resources, he said.
The President affirmed that Vietnam stands ready to participate in cooperationarrangements led by the UN.
“If we all work together, nothing is impossible, includingthe realisation of the SDGs – 2030,” concluded the Vietnamese leader./.
VNA
