Vice Minister Nguyễn Hoàng Hiệp emphasized the shared mission between Viet Nam and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in ensuring food security, particularly in improving farmers’ incomes and promoting sustainable livelihoods. He expressed appreciation for FAO and other United Nations agencies for their continued support to Viet Nam through various important programs.
FAO has been an active partner within the Disaster Risk Reduction Partnership. According to the Vice Minister, coordination mechanisms under the partnership have proven effective during major disasters in recent years, enabling timely support for affected communities.
At the meeting, it was noted that the Vietnam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority (VDDMA) is currently working with FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to develop the project “Strengthening community resilience through early action in Viet Nam.”
The Vice Minister highlighted that FAO’s experience in implementing anticipatory action programs is highly valuable. He proposed that the project focus on three key areas: enhancing awareness and skills of communities and local authorities in disaster risk management; supporting livelihoods through sustainable agricultural models, particularly for vulnerable groups; and promoting the application of digital technologies in data analysis for forecasting and early warning.
He also stressed that improving forecasting capacity—especially rainfall prediction—remains a major priority ahead of the upcoming rainy and storm season, as disasters are becoming increasingly frequent and unpredictable. Recent unusual hailstorms in northern mountainous provinces have caused significant agricultural damage, underscoring the need for early preparedness.
Another issue raised was the need to balance energy security and water security for agricultural production. With hydropower accounting for around 20% of national electricity output, increased power generation during peak periods may affect water availability for farming, requiring careful coordination.
Mr. Vinod Ahuja welcomed the proposed priorities and expressed expectations that regional programs on forecasting and early warning would be implemented in Viet Nam in the near future. He noted that FAO’s support goes beyond financial assistance to include technical transfer and capacity building.
FAO also plans to strengthen its engagement in water resource management, including transboundary water management and policy framework development, which are critical for both production and livelihoods.
Both sides discussed directions for building livable rural areas, promoting rural and eco-tourism linked to traditional crafts and local products.
According to the Vice Minister, Viet Nam has more than 10 million farming households, about half of which still have unstable incomes. Therefore, promoting sustainable livelihoods, diversifying income sources, reducing dependency on imported inputs, and developing climate-resilient agricultural models will be key areas of cooperation between Viet Nam and FAO in the coming period.
Since 2022, FAO has successfully supported anticipatory action exercises based on storm and flood forecasts in Quang Tri, Quang Nam, and Hue, and has provided early assistance in cash and in-kind support to affected communities in several provinces, including Hue and Ca Mau.
In 2025, FAO provided agricultural inputs worth over VND 3.7 billion to 1,196 households in Lang Son province, and delivered cash assistance exceeding VND 11.4 billion to more than 3,300 households in Gia Lai and Dak Lak provinces.
