During an official state visit to the Netherlands, Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Lê Minh Hoan visited the World Horti Center in Naaldwijk in December 2022. The purpose of the visit was to gain insights into advanced Dutch horticultural technologies.
Among the exhibitors was The Fruit Republic (TFR), a Dutch company with a subsidiary in Vietnam. TFR in Vietnam has grown to become the country’s leading citrus fruit exporter. The company is known for its strong commitment to small-holder farmer inclusion, supported by its dedicated extension services and quality assurance systems.
TFR’s Director, Siebe van Wijk, presented the newly launched SUCCEEDS project to Prime Minister Chính and Minister Hoan. This public-private partnership aims to empower up to 150,000 Vietnamese citrus farmers by promoting sustainable agricultural practices that enhance productivity and income. Key initiatives include investments in demonstration farms, farm specific soil nutrient management advice, access to finance, and citrus nursery sector development.
Prime Minister Chính expressed pride in the global success of Vietnamese pomelo and lime, products that TFR has helped bring to international markets. Minister Hoan, a native of Đồng Tháp Province, was particularly pleased to see seedless limes from the local cooperative Mỹ Long featured in TFR’s export packaging. Both leaders expressed strong support for the SUCCEEDS project and its potential to further advance Vietnam’s citrus sector.
