Innovation Mission Vietnam: salinisation in horticulture in the Mekong Delta
Do you want to contribute to integrated solutions in areas such as salinisation, climate-smart horticulture, improved water management, and sustainable food production? Then, join the innovation mission in Vietnam.

Goals of this mission
This innovation mission on salinisation focuses on establishing long-term public-private partnerships between Dutch and Vietnamese parties in the Mekong Delta. It offers a unique opportunity for Dutch companies, knowledge institutions, and NGOs to work together on solutions for salinisation in the horticulture sector, focusing on vegetable and fruit cultivation.
The Dutch Embassy intends to develop a multi-year integrated program around salinisation and food production. This mission can serve as a stepping stone for that programme.
The Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam is a fertile agricultural region well-suited for intensive horticulture due to its tropical monsoon climate. The area is known for its vegetable cultivation, producing more than 70% of Vietnam's fruit. At the same time, it is one of the most vulnerable areas in the world when it comes to salinisation, which directly impacts food production, soil composition, and the availability of fresh water. The sector consists of both small-scale and larger enterprises. Additionally, the Vietnamese government and local authorities strongly support the development of cooperatives. Business scaling has allowed companies to better meet market demands, and there is growing demand for advanced climate-smart technologies and expertise to tackle challenges like salinisation.
Global challenges such as climate change, sea level rise, and salinisation - as seen in the Mekong Delta - require cross-border cooperation. The Dutch agro and water sectors are globally recognised for their innovation and integrated approach and, together with Vietnamese partners, can play a key role in addressing these issues.
This innovation mission is part of the Strategic Partnership Arrangements (SPAs) on Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security and Water Management & Climate Change between the Netherlands and Vietnam. Investing jointly in knowledge sharing, innovation, and implementation, we work towards future-proof solutions for both countries. For more information about Vietnam, please read the information and factsheet on the 'Agroberichten Buitenland' page.
For whom?
This innovation mission is intended for Dutch companies, knowledge and research institutions, and NGOs active in the field of sustainable and climate-smart vegetable and fruit cultivation, who are interested in collaborating in the Mekong Delta in areas such as:
- Agricultural production in saline environments
- Water and soil management
- Innovative cultivation methods
- Smart technologies for irrigation, drainage, and water storage
- Digitisation and data-driven horticulture
- Monitoring and sensor technology
- Breeding of more climate-resilient and salt-tolerant crops
Why participate?
During this mission, you will explore opportunities for collaboration with Vietnamese partners in the Mekong Delta - a key region for vegetable and fruit cultivation heavily affected by salinisation and climate change. The mission focuses on knowledge sharing, consortium building, and exploring projects within the broader partnership between the Netherlands and Vietnam.
- Collaborate on an integrated approach to water management, soil preservation, and crop development in one of the world's most urgent delta regions.
- Meet key stakeholders from the Vietnamese government, research institutes, and agri-businesses interested in Dutch knowledge and technology.
- Explore concrete opportunities for pilot projects, consortium formation, and long-term collaborations.
- Showcase Dutch expertise in sustainable agriculture and water management.
Concept programme
During the programme, we will visit Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) and the Mekong Delta. We will do our best to incorporate the specific wishes of the participants in the development of the final mission programme. The concept programme is as follows:
- The innovation mission will start in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), after which various provinces in the Mekong Delta will be visited by bus.
- In addition to visits to companies/projects and knowledge institutions, there will also be opportunities to observe how various salinisation applications are implemented in the field.
- A Dutch-Vietnamese stakeholders event will also take place in Can Tho.
- The programme will conclude in HCMC.
Costs
The cost of participating in the innovation mission is €250 excl. VAT per person. This includes:
- participation in the collective programme;
- transfers to and from programme components;
- lunch and dinners, if mentioned in the programme.
Participation does not include:
- travel and accommodation costs (intercontinental and domestic flights and hotels);
- all individual costs, such as lunches and dinners outside the programme.
Registration
Do you want to participate in this innovation mission? Please complete the registration form by 20 September 2025.
Definitive participation depends on the number of available spots. We carefully consider if and how well your technology and expertise fit within the scope and goal of this mission.
Want to know more?
For questions related to the mission’s content, please contact Suraj Jamge, advisor:
- E: suraj.jamge@rvo.nl
- T: +31 6 2147 5963
For questions regarding the mission, please contact: innovatiemissies@rvo.nl.
- Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature