By Jotham Likomeno,
Zambia is seeking to boost agricultural productivity through enhanced cooperation with Vietnam following a study tour by a government delegation dispatched by President Hakainde Hichilema.
Speaking during a media briefing in Vietnam, Agriculture Minister Reuben Mtolo said the delegation held meetings with Vietnam’s ministers and engaged farmers, research institutes and other stakeholders to learn from the country’s successful agricultural reforms.
Mr. Mtolo added that the delegation also toured the Western Highlands Agriculture and Forestry Science Institute, where they observed modern farming technologies aimed at improving agricultural productivity.
Meanwhile, Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane revealed that the team also visited the Coffee Museum in Dak Lak to study Vietnam’s coffee industry and its export growth.
Dr. Musokotwane said lessons from the study tour will be presented to the President and Cabinet for consideration as Zambia continues reviewing its agricultural policies.
The ministers further disclosed that Zambia and Vietnam have agreed to pursue a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in agricultural policy, research and knowledge exchange in a bid to support farmers and improve production.
