The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) will, together with the World Economic Forum (WEF), work out an action plan for the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in agriculture sector during the 2014-2018 period.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Cao Duc Phat, who is in Davos for the WEF 2014, said agriculture plays a primary role in the backbone of any economy, even in times of difficultly.

He argued that the agricultural sector in emergent nations is seeing a chance to grow stronger and suggested these countries step up investment and science and technology application to add value to agricultural products.

The minister said agriculture is among the topics that drew much attention from attendees, adding that within this year’s meeting agenda there is one session preserved for the sector, themed “Renewal for a New Vision for Agriculture”.

At the meeting, state leaders from Asian, African and Latin American countries, together with businesses and scholars, will discuss the best measures to make progress in the field.

They will also consider the scientific advances that can be applied to improve agricultural infrastructure and develop it in a more market-oriented way.

The measures put forth at the session will be important as the WEF looks to build the global agriculture agenda, bring about new initiatives and create more cooperation opportunities in the field, Phat noted.

Participants at the meeting will focus on sharing their experience of the PPP model, which is working effectively in Vietnam, and is recognised by WEF as an option for other countries.

In order to boost the WEF’s initiative “A New Vision for Agriculture”, MARD is now working closely with the forum to foster the “Green Growth Action Alliance ” to mobilise finance through the PPP model.

Minister Phat said environment issues were included for the first time on the prioritised agenda in Davos 2014 with the theme “Water Security”.

Vietnam is one of the countries that is most affected by climate change, especially in agriculture areas, he said, adding that the country’s government and agriculture ministry attach much importance to reducing the impacts of climate change to the economy in general and agriculture in particular.

MARD has approved a programme to reduce greenhouse gas emission to assist economic growth, ensure food security, agricultural industrialisation and modernisation.

Measures are also being carried out to protect the environment and effectively cope with climate change and step up safe production with the expectation to reduce 20 percent of the emission by 2020.

Vietnam is recognised as one of the nations strongly committed to the green growth content in actions plans for socio-economic development, particularly in the agriculture and rural development, Phat stated.

VNA