Opportunity for Aussie SMEs to contribute to Vietnam’s agriculture

Australian agritech companies have a unique opportunity to address Vietnam’s pressing need for sustainable and efficient food production solutions. As climate change poses significant risks to Vietnamese agriculture, there is a growing demand for innovative technologies that can help farmers adapt and increase yields.

Agriculture plays a crucial role in Vietnam’s economy, contributing 12% to the nation’s GDP in 2023. Encompassing agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, this sector thrives thanks to Vietnam’s favorable climate and year-round growing season. The country’s key crops include rice, maize, sugarcane, cassava, sweet potato, peanuts, coffee, pepper, and rubber.

Decades of significant land reforms have bolstered Vietnam’s agricultural output, which saw a 230% increase between 1990 and 2019. Since the early 2000s, the value of agri-food exports has grown eight-fold, reflecting the rapid expansion and modernization of the sector.

Opportunities for Australian Agritech Collaboration

Australian agritech companies are well-positioned to support Vietnam’s efforts to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. Vietnamese producers are eager to leverage Australia’s capabilities to boost efficiency, improve sustainability, and ensure economic resilience.

One notable example is Orlar, an Australian-owned enterprise providing cutting-edge vertical farming solutions. Using patented vertical pod technology, Orlar grows crops without soil, employing Australian organic-certified minerals and fertilizers. This approach ensures that all produce remains free from contaminants and pollutants, showcasing how Australian innovations are making a difference on the ground in Vietnam.

Exploring the Agtech Landscape in Vietnam

To further explore opportunities in Vietnam’s tech and agriculture sectors, Austrade will host a Landing Pads in-market immersion program in Hai Phong and Hanoi from November 26–28, 2024. Participants will also attend Techfest Vietnam 2024, providing valuable insights into the country’s evolving technology landscape.

Vietnam’s quest for sustainable agricultural solutions presents fertile ground for collaboration, innovation, and growth—opening doors for international partnerships that can help shape a more resilient agricultural future.

Confronting Climate Change: A Growing Challenge

Vietnam is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, facing threats such as rising sea levels, typhoons, floods, droughts, and landslides—all of which significantly impact the livelihoods of farmers. In response, there is rising demand for agricultural technology (agtech) solutions to help farmers adapt and mitigate these challenges.

The Vietnamese government is also keen on advancing value-added production, minimizing environmental impacts, and improving efficiency across the agricultural sector. This creates opportunities for innovative agtech providers, particularly those offering expertise in water management, carbon capture, and artificial intelligence-driven solutions.

We are inviting expressions of interest from Australian companies with capability across agtech, cyber security or ICT. Express your interest by 14 October 2024. Contact Austrade’s Landing Pad Manager in Vietnam Trang Vũ for more information about the program.