The 35 degrees Celsius being measured outside the SECC convention center, where the Hortex trade show currently takes place, is a direct example of why greenhouse techniques can improve the availability of fresh produce in Vietnam. The temperature, combined with the lack of fresh water and, depending on the season, the high humidity, affects the quality of the cultivation, as well as limits the post-harvest prospects of flowers and vegetables when not being taken care of properly. Collaborating with horticultural suppliers and knowledge sharing offers the potential to answer these challenges - and that's what the show is all about.
Johan van Gelderen, Kekkila, Rene van Rensen, Fresh Studio, and Bernhard Schenke, Dalat Hasfarm
Alexander und Alexander! And Lea in the middle
Hortex
The annual Hortex trade show kicked off this morning. In the presence of several Ministers, including ministers Ong Nguyen Nhur Cuong and Ong Le Thanh Hoa, agriculture and rural development, and international representatives such as Daniel Stork, consul general of the Netherlands, Enrico Padula, consul general of Italy, Burak Cihan of Turkey, and partners from Thailand and Indonesia, insights were shared on the market and the importance of collaboration.
Ong Nguyen Nhur Cuong explained one of the markets is expected to grow rapidly, and one of the country's goals is to expand exports, and that product quality has to be good enough to do so. "We export to many companies like America and Russia. High end technology and innovation is to help tackle challenges and expand further."
Ong Nguyen Nhur Cuong
Daniel Stork applauded Vietnamese horticulture for expanding its presence in supermarkets all over the world. "Increasing local consumer demand, and increasing export all ask for food safety, and high quality products." Nearly 30 Dutch companies present at the show want to contribute to expanding this presence further by offering their sustainable solutions.
"Netherlands and Vietnam have been working together for over 15 years to achieve sustainable and circular horticulture and become major players, using resources more efficiently, reduce food loss and imply good agricultural practices."
Next week a state visit of the Dutch king and the queen takes place, who will be accompanied by 140 people.
Daniel Stork
Dutchies united at the Dutch pavillion
As Vietnam has a strong agricultural background, a strong workforce, and work ethic, and the country supports the development of the industry, many are assured of its potential for both production for the local market as for the export - despite limiting circumstances such as insecurities in the market driven by a current real estate crisis, and anti-corruption measurements taken by the government, resulting in a slowdown of governmental decisions.
Show organizer Kuno Jacobs added Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports surged to a record high of 5.6 billion dollars in 2023, and the country is developing to become a key player in the world.
With new collaboration with IPM and AgriTechnica Asia, the show organizers look to help the country establish and expand this position. The organization of Hortex hopes to contribute by organizing several knowledge sessions during the show and collaborating with partners such as IPM and AgriTechnic Asia to help companies position themselves in the horticultural industry.
The show, which unites over 140 Vietnamese and international exhibitors, lasts until Friday.