Vietnam and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) agreed a country programme framework for cooperation between 2017 and 2021 during a ceremony to mark the 37th World Food Day held in northern Bac Kan province on October 14.

Vietnam and FAO ink a country programme framework for cooperation between 2017 and 2021 in Bac Kan province on October 14. (Photo: nhandan.com.vn)

The ceremony also celebrated the 72th FAO anniversary (October 16) with FAO Representative in Vietnam Jongha Bae in attendance. This year, the event highlighted “Changing the future of migration by investing in food security and rural development”, which is also a key area for cooperation between FAO and the government of Vietnam.

The framework was signed between FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), laying a foundation for FAO’s activities to foster agricultural development in the country.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Quoc Doanh said there should be a comprehensive approach to rural development that does not only highlight agricultural growth alone but also consider other related aspects such as public services, including education, healthcare and infrastructure, the environment and culture.

Rural development is a long-term process but resources are limited; therefore, it requires specific priorities for each period, enhanced role of local people and communities and greater engagement of the private sector, Doanh noted.

FAO maintained its focus on agriculture and rural development in Vietnam to address causes of displacement, he said, adding that by giving business and employment opportunities for young people who do not fully live off farming, FAO has helped increase food security; improve adaptability to different livelihoods and access to social welfare; reduce conflicts over resources; and provide solutions to environmental degradation and climate change.

FAO has carried out a number of projects in Bac Kan in the last few years, targeting poverty reduction, food insecurity, inequality, unemployment and rural resource degradation, notably the project to strengthen links with the youth for sustainable agricultural development.”

VNA