Promoting multi-sectoral coordination and multilateral cooperation in food safety management in Vietnam
This morning, 19 July 2024, in Hanoi, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) in collaboration with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) chaired the 2nd technical meeting of the Food Safety Technical Working Group (FSTWG) under the Vietnam One Health Partnership (OHP) framework. This meeting follows the success of the first annual meeting in September 2023. The FSTWG is one of five inter-sectoral technical working groups within the OHP framework for zoonoses control. The partnership framework is primarily chaired by MARD with co-chairmanship from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
The meeting was co-chaired by Le Ba Anh, deputy director general of the Department of Quality, Processing and Market Development (NAFIQDM), MARD, and Fred Unger, regional representative for Asia, ILRI. Participants included representatives from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Industry and Trade, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Sub-Department of Animal Health from 20 provinces (participating online), the private sector, institutes, associations, and bilateral and multilateral international development partners. The meeting's theme was "From Farm to Table."
In his opening remarks, Le Ba Anh acknowledged the progress made since the first meeting, reaffirming that food safety remains a top priority. Within the OHP framework, MARD aims to effectively coordinate and create mechanisms and forums for sharing and scaling up research results and lessons learned from international and national food safety programs. MARD also acts as a bridge connecting national stakeholders and international development partners to address the needs of Vietnamese government agencies, providing a basis for cooperation, technical support, and resource allocation suited to Vietnam’s conditions.
Fred Unger appreciated the spirit of cooperation and responsibility among the stakeholders, stating ‘The FSTWG serves as an important platform for stakeholders from different sectors to share experiences, propose initiatives, and enhance multi-sectoral coordination and cooperation.’
During the 2nd meeting, participants focused on the following topics:
- The progress of transforming the food system and managing food safety incidents.
- Food safety communication activities in 2024 and the implementation of food safety activities by the government, private sector, and international partners.
- Consultation on the results from ongoing projects and programs, including difficulties and solutions for food safety interventions.
- Proposed mechanisms to enhance coordination and cooperation.
- Outlined the desired support from international partners and stakeholders for relevant ministries and sectors.
Dao The Anh from the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences (VAAS), MARD, updated on the progress of the Food System Transformation Action Plan in Vietnam, emphasizing the need for strong multi-sectoral cooperation and international support, particularly in food safety management from farm to table. A representative from the Ministry of Health provided a detailed report on food poisoning incidents and the implementation of food safety assurance measures, calling for international support, especially in communication efforts. They also expressed a desire for ministries to coordinate and support each other in enhancing food safety management to ensure the health of people, animals, and the environment.
The forum provided an opportunity for different sectors and stakeholders to share experiences, knowledge, and best practices from ongoing initiatives, projects, and programs on food safety. An initiative from the private sector was jointly presented by representatives from the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade and the High Technology Association on the linkage of retail businesses in applying high technology in food quality management and product recall processes. This is a typical public-private partnership model that should be replicated. Additionally, government agencies and bilateral and multilateral international organizations updated and recommended interventions, solutions, and mechanisms for enhancing food safety management from central to local levels.
The meeting reached a high consensus on the comprehensive and multi-sectoral One Health approach, proposing key tasks and priorities for the sectors in the coming time. All parties affirmed the common spirit of responsibility in controlling food safety, actively coordinating and supporting each other, and demonstrating a shared responsibility for a healthy community. This ensures a sustainable food safety framework for Vietnam and helps Vietnam continue to be a reliable and safe food supplier to the world.
The meeting was co-funded by the CGIAR One Health Initiative and the ASEAN-CGIAR Innovate for Food and Nutrition Security Regional Program.
