Successful HortEx and economic trade mission to Vietnam

Vietnam aims for a smart, circular, responsible, and emission-balanced approach to horticulture. Significant steps are already being taken within the Vietnamese horticultural sector towards this ambition, including transitioning from traditional soil-based cultivation to using substrates, gutters, and pots. The country is keen to collaborate with Dutch partners to address horticultural challenges and make important transitions together.

Group picture Economic Trade Mission

HortEx

During the 6th edition of HortEx, a trade fair for horticulture and floriculture in Vietnam, Dutch companies showcased solutions that contribute to a sustainable and profitable horticultural sector. They were represented in the NL Pavilion, individual company booths, and the joint booth of the Netherlands Vietnam Horti Business Platform and Dutch Greenhouse Delta.

Bert Desmet, Managing Director at Klasmann-Deilmann Asia, was one of the involved Dutch innovators in this joint booth and shared his thoughts: "Our participation in HortEx Vietnam through the collective booth by NVHBP and DGD has been immensely rewarding. It has enabled us to showcase our expertise, connect with industry stakeholders, and leverage the vast network of its members. We look forward to building on this platform, which holds tremendous potential for advancing sustainable horticulture in Vietnam."

Visit to Dalat Hasfarm

Partners in sustainable horticulture

During the seminar "Growing together: next-level solutions for the Vietnamese horticulture sector" held during the fair, the focus was on solutions that can accelerate sustainable transitions within the Vietnamese horticultural sector and the essential collaboration between Vietnam and the Netherlands. The Dutch embassy in Vietnam further elaborated on this collaboration during the seminar "Vietnam and the Netherlands partners in sustainable floriculture", delving into the extensive research they conducted on floriculture and ornamental plant practices within Vietnam. This study contributes positively to collaborative pathways towards sustainable growth and development within the sector between both countries.

Economic Trade Mission

Following HortEx, an economic trade mission focused on horticulture, food, water, and logistics took place. During this week, the significant potential of horticulture and floriculture receives attention. Mayor of the municipality of Westland, Bouke Arends, participated in this economic trade mission, along with Dutch Greenhouse Delta, a large group of Dutch private and public parties. Bouke remarked: "The Vietnamese government has very ambitious horticultural goals. There is already a lot of horticulture, but you can tell they really want to work on the next step with more focus on sustainability and technology. Vietnam sees the Westland cluster and our business community as an example. I look back positively on the discussions we had with the Vietnamese government during this mission, including the People's Committee of Lam Dong. We are working with them to establish a long-term horticultural relationship."

Panel during HortEx seminar "Growing together: next-level solutions for the Vietnamese horticulture sector"

Potential market

Dutch Greenhouse Delta participated in HortEx and the economic mission to explore opportunities for commercial collaboration with Vietnam and to promote Dutch greenhouse horticulture - with its smart solutions for societal challenges. This latter aspect received ample attention during the panel sessions 'Agro Outlook Vietnam and Dutch Solutions' and 'Mekong Delta Business Forum', in which Mirjam Boekestijn, CEO of Dutch Greenhouse Delta, actively participated.

The numerous networking moments in the program, the visit to Dalat including a meeting with the People’s Committee of Lam Dong, and the visit to Dalat Hasfarm contributed to identifying market opportunities and strengthening collaboration between the Netherlands and Vietnam.

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