In a significant move to bolster Vietnam’s agricultural sector, Israeli agritech companies have expressed their eagerness to share their technological prowess with Vietnamese counterparts. This potential collaboration was highlighted during a seminar held in Tel Aviv on March 24, co-organised by Israeli agricultural technology company Zemach and the Vietnamese Embassy in Israel. The event served as a platform for Israeli businesses and cooperative associations, known as kibbutz, to present a suite of advanced agricultural technologies tailored to Vietnam’s needs.
The seminar showcased a range of innovative solutions, including remote sensing, imaging, sensors, automation, drones, and data analysis models. These technologies promise to revolutionise Vietnam’s agricultural landscape by enhancing productivity and improving the quality of exports. Notably, Zemach introduced technologies that support cultivation by monitoring soil quality, moisture, nutritional needs, pests, and automated management processes. The company also proposed sustainable farming solutions that leverage renewable and environmentally friendly energy sources.
Israel’s journey from a land of scarcity to a global agricultural powerhouse was a recurring theme at the seminar. A representative from the Kinneret Innovation Centre attributed Israel’s success to four key factors: fostering cooperation between farms and agricultural businesses, establishing a common vision, supporting innovation, and valuing talent. This collaborative spirit has enabled Israel to achieve food self-sufficiency and even export freshwater, despite 60% of its territory being desert or lacking water resources. The country’s seawater desalination technology and the reuse of 86% of household wastewater stand as testament to its innovative spirit.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Israel, Ly Duc Trung, provided insights into Vietnam’s agricultural sector, emphasising the need for technological advancements to enhance the quality and value of its agricultural products. He expressed hope that Israeli businesses would view Vietnam not just as a market for their products, but as a partner for mutual growth and development.
The seminar culminated in a visit to the plant breeding laboratory of GinoSar, an Israeli company that recently signed a cooperation agreement to transfer high-quality fruit tree breeding technology to a Vietnamese partner. This agreement marks a significant step towards realising the potential of agritech collaboration between the two countries.
The implications of this collaboration are vast. For Vietnam, it presents an opportunity to modernise its agricultural sector, increase productivity, and enhance the quality of its exports. For Israel, it opens up a new market and a chance to share its technological expertise. As both countries look towards a future of mutual growth and development, the stage is set for a fruitful partnership that could redefine the agricultural landscape in Vietnam.
