The Ministry’s International Cooperation Department said the fishery, cocoa and coffee industries have benefited the most from the cooperation.

The Netherlands will help Vietnam become a full member of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC). Both countries have agreed to seek funding for a programme to train quarantine officers and law experts concerning the European Union’s food safety rules and law.

The Netherlands has pledged to invest EUR300,000 (US$407,940) over the 2010-2012 period to improve the sustainable production and business development for Vietnam’s coffee industry.

Donors are expected to contribute 47 percent of the EUR32 million programme to be carried out until 2010.