Việt Nam, Netherlands amp up cooperation in final stretch for EUDR

As the world’s second-largest coffee producer, Việt Nam has taken concrete steps to prepare for the EUDR compliance. — VNA/VNS Photo Tuấn Anh

HÀ NỘI — Experts believe that EUDR compliance will not only elevate export standards but also provide an opportunity to transform Việt Nam’s agriculture, making it more sustainable and transparent, and aligning it with the country’s international commitments to green growth.

This topic was the centre of discussion at a technical meeting on EUDR (European Union’s Regulation on Deforestation-free Products), held jointly by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and the Netherlands Embassy in Việt Nam.

The event was organised at a pivotal time as the EUDR will come into force in less than three months, on December 30, 2024. Việt Nam’s key exports, such as coffee, rubber, and wood products, will be subject to the regulations.

Việt Nam is the world’s second-largest coffee producer, and the largest in terms of Robusta coffee production.

The Netherlands, due to its geographical location, serves as a primary gateway for Vietnamese coffee into Europe. Việt Nam and the Netherlands have also been strategic partners in sustainable agriculture for the past decade.

The hybrid event gathers nearly 200 officials, business representatives and industry experts to discuss Việt Nam's preparation for EUDR. — VNS Photo Nhật Hồng

In his address at the meeting, Julius Seinen, EUDR Implementation Lead of the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature, underscored the alignment of EUDR with the ministry’s international strategy, as the Netherlands focuses on transitioning towards a sustainable food system, with the Paris and Montreal agreements on climate change and biodiversity playing an important role.

“I am glad that since the publication of the EUDR, Việt Nam has worked very hard to meet the new requirements set out by the EU,” said Seinen.

“Việt Nam has taken a leading role in bringing together different stakeholders and actively engaging with them to address the underlying issues.”

Rui Ludovino, First Counsellor of the EU Delegation to Việt Nam, said: “We have been working quite intensively with our Vietnamese partners to facilitate communication and dialogue around the EUDR.

“At the government, central, and local levels, as well as with all Vietnamese stakeholders, including business associations of commodities, the engagement has been very welcoming and positive regarding the implementation of the EUDR.”

The regulation is expected to raise concerns not only for businesses and producers but also for consumers, as high compliance costs will affect commodity prices, according to Nguyễn Đỗ Anh Tuấn, director general of MARD’s International Cooperation Department.

“We have to work to keep prices at an acceptable level while ensuring revenue, and to give consumers peace of mind when they use Vietnamese coffee products,” he added.

Industry experts and officials at the event also discussed the measures taken for EUDR compliance, the necessary tasks to be completed before the regulation’s effective date, and addressed concerns from business representatives.