Vietnam and Mozambique to step up agricultural co-operation

Mozambican Minister of Agriculture Soares Nhaca has pledged to create favourable conditions for Vietnam to implement joint agricultural projects in the African country.

During his talks with his Vietnamese counterpart Cao Duc Phat in Hanoi on March 25, Minister Nhaca proposed that Vietnam assist Mozambique in training graduate-level officials and organising short-term courses for its technicians in cashew and rice growing, and plant protection.

Minister Phat told his guest that Vietnam and Mozambique will carry out co-operation projects between their localities and businesses, along with inter-governmental programmes.

A number of Vietnamese cities and provinces such as Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City and Ha Nam and the Ton Phat Company are willing to send experts to help Mozambique with rice cultivation, aquaculture and crocodile breeding, he said.

The Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences plans to train an additional 30 students for the School of Agricultural Development under the Mondale University of Mozambique. It has already received 35 students from this school for further training.

As part of the results of the Inter-governmental Committee’s meeting in 2009, Vietnam has supported Mozambique ’s efforts to ensure food security by improving its food production capacity.

Vietnam has sent a number of experts to help the African country grow rice in Gaza province as well as establish an agricultural research centre and increase rice growing in Zambezia province.

Minister Phat said the Hanoi People’s Committee will also join hands with relevant agencies of Mozambique develop to a rice production project in Zambezia province with funding provided by Japan.

VNA

Tags: Vietnam Mozambique cooperation