World Food Day 2020 observed in Hanoi

Themed “Growth, Nourish, Sustain. Together,” World Food Day 2020 is being marked during a very exceptional time as many countries are dealing with the widespread effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, FAO said.

World Food Day should as a result be considered as an opportunity to call for global cooperation and solidarity to make sure the threats COVID-19 is posing to food security and agricultural livelihoods are confronted and the most vulnerable are able to get back on their feet.

It is also an occasion to sensitise the public on how everybody has a role to play in transforming food systems by changing the way they produce, transform, consume and waste food.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Quoc Doanh said Vietnam’s agriculture plays an important role in ensuring food security, social order and livelihoods for about 65 million people in rural areas, contributing 14 % of the national gross domestic product (GDP).

Despite natural disasters and epidemics in 2020, Vietnam’s agricultural production has remained stable, he said, adding that apart from ensuring food security for nearly 100 million residents, Vietnam earned over US$30 billion from farm produce exports in the first nine months of this year, with trade surplus reaching US$7.3 billion.

Notably, rice export stood at US$2.48 billion, up 12.5 % as compared to the same period last year.

On this occasion, the MARD called on relevant agencies to respond to the International Year of Health Plant.

Rana Flowers, FAO Representative in Vietnam, said her organisation pledged to further support Vietnam in completing goals of the 2030 Agenda and sustainable development goals.

She handed over the FAO’s letter of commitment to the MARD, under which the orgnisation will fund the technical support project on building the strategy and action plan for plant health management.