Innovation Mission Vietnam: salinisation in horticulture in the Mekong Delta

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. 

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. 

Info webinar

An information webinar about this innovation mission will take place on Monday, 8 September from 11:00 to 12:00 (CEST). This informational webinar (in English) will provide further details on the innovation mission, the program, its objectives, and opportunities for participants. There will be plenty of time to ask questions to the organizing team. Register for the webinar here.

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.