HCM City (VNA) – TheMekong – Lancang Business Forum 2019, themed “Promoting Agribusiness and Investment in Processed Food Sector”,took place in Ho Chi Minh City on November 7.

The event was co-organised by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerceand Industry, the Thai Ministry of Commerce and the Mekong Institute.

Speaking at the event, Executive Director of the Mekong Institute Watcharas Leelawath said agricultureand food industry is one of the key economic sectors in the Mekong Sub-region andVietnam in particular. Several supply chains in agricultural production such asrice, coffee, rubber, pepper and cashew nuts have formed in the region, butfarmers’ income remains low.

He added that the event affords regionalcountries a chance to expand trade connectivity and access global value chain,contributing to improving product value and farmers’ income.

Vice Director of the Institute ofAgricultural Science for Southern Vietnam Le Quy Kha said Vietnam has reapedgreat achievements in agricultural development, but the sector still faces manychallenges such as low efficiency and high post-harvest losses. Therefore, thereare many opportunities of investment in post-harvest preservation and foodprocessing in Vietnam for regional enterprises.

A highlight of the forum was abusiness-to-business matching session that attracted over 70 small andmedium-sized enterprises from regional countries, enabling them to accesssupply chains in the region and the world and improving product competitivenessin international market.

This is the second time theforum has been held in the region. It will be organised annually on arotational basis in the Mekong Sub-region – Lancang area for the 2018-2022period./.