Hanoi (VNA) – Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development NguyenXuan Cuong had a meeting with Australian Senator and Minister for AgricultureBridget McKenzie in Hanoi on August 29, where they discussed measures to boostagricultural cooperation.

Vietnam wants to learn experience in developing high-tech agriculture andorganic agriculture from Australia, a world-leading producer of agriculturalcommodities, Cuong said, adding Vietnam’s agriculture is growing but thecountry still needs to import cattle products, milk and wheat, among others.

Revealing Australia’s know-how to have a well-developed agriculture, McKenziesaid four to five decades ago, small producers gathered together for largerproduction and higher yield crops. She suggested Vietnam work more to ensure astable agriculture which brings better incomes to farmers.

Australia has already announced import requirements for fresh longan fromVietnam, and hopes to export malt and brewer’s yeast to the Southeast Asiancountry soon, she said.

The Australian minister recommended both sides to complete a set of standardsfor imports of peaches and nectarines so that Vietnamese consumers can tastethe Australian fruits this October. They can work together to open markets formore fresh fruits in the coming time.

Australia wants close coordination with Vietnamese Department of Animal Healthon meat import regulations so as to introduce Australian firms to procedures toexport meat products.

Cuong said he will ask competent authorities to work tightly with theAustralian side on the issues.

In addition, he expressed his hope that the radiation centre in Hanoi withequipment meeting international requirements will be recognised by Australiansoon. Without the recognition, Vietnamese firms will have to transport theirlongan to Ho Chi Minh City for radiation, which will push up the costs.

Regarding Vietnamese shrimp, Cuong asked for re-evaluation on farmingtechniques from Australian authorities so that Vietnamese shrimp will beallowed to enter the Australian market soon.

McKenzie, for her part, promised to consider recognition of the radiationcentre in Hanoi, and send a delegation to re-assess Vietnamese shrimp.

On the occasion, the two ministers witnessed the exchange of a cooperationagreement on animal health and cattle slaughter between the Vietnamese Departmentof Animal Health and Meat & Livestock Australia.

Currently, Vietnamese litchi, mango, dragon fruit and longan have reached theAustralian market. Meanwhile, Australia is exporting 148 kinds of seeds, fourtypes of fruits (grape, orange, tangerine and cherry), and seven kinds of grassseeds to Vietnam.-VNA