In the era of globalization and integration today, bringing Vietnamese agricultural products to the world is not only a challenge but also a significant opportunity to enhance the value and brand of domestic agricultural products. However, there are increasingly strict requirements regarding the quality of agricultural products, especially in terms of food safety and hygiene. The application of science and technology in the production of export agricultural products to ensure high quality, food safety, and minimal environmental impact has become a crucial factor in improving the value and competitiveness of Vietnamese products in the international market.

In this field, it is impossible not to mention Dr. Vu Thi Kim Oanh, a lecturer at the Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, who has made significant contributions not only in teaching and scientific research at the university but also in directly applying scientific solutions and connecting Vietnamese agricultural products with international markets. This has contributed to helping Vietnam's agricultural sector expand globally.

With her background in post-harvest technology and supply chain management, Dr. Oanh realized that for Vietnamese agricultural products to stand firm on the global stage, it is essential not only to improve quality but also to have effective promotion and distribution strategies. Dr. Oanh has actively collaborated with enterprises and organizations; participated in workshops and conferences; and connected Vietnamese agricultural enterprises with international partners. Additionally, she regularly teaches and trains in the short training courses on post-harvest preservation, processing technologies, food safety management along supply chains, food traceability, etc., for SMEs, cooperatives, farmers, and young entrepreneurs.

Furthermore, Dr. Oanh actively participates in overseas training courses to update new technologies in her field and then trains domestic production units to help producers improve product quality to gradually meet international market demands. Specifically, in 2024, after being trained on climate-smart agriculture (CSA) techniques in post-harvest handling and fresh fruit and vegetable preservation at the Mekong Institute in Thailand and Queensland University in Australia, Dr. Oanh assisted farms in applying these techniques to hundreds of tons of fresh vegetables exported to South Korea and Japan. Notable agricultural products she has helped Vietnamese enterprises introduce to international markets include ‘glass’ lettuce and Iceberg lettuce, which have successfully gained the trust of demanding customers in South Korea and Japan.

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A training session for cooperatives and farmers in Bac Ninh of Dr. Oanh 

With her successes in bringing Vietnamese agricultural products to the world, Dr. Oanh has gained recognition not only in the academic community but also from the enterprises and international organizations. Over the years, Dr. Oanh has acted as a bridge for the products of several companies to enter international markets, such as: Langbiang Farm Company Limited, WinEco Agricultural Production and Development Investment Company Limited, Công Thịnh Organic Agricultural Cooperative, V. organic Agricultural Cooperative,… The Mekong Institute (Intergovernmental organization, office in Thailand) has highly appreciated Dr. Oanh’s achievements after her attending training programs organized by MI in Thailand and Australia on climate-smart agriculture (CSA).

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 Dr. Oanh’s presentation at the international workshop ‘National Knowledge-Sharing Workshop on Advancing Climate-Smart Agriculture in Vietnam’

Dr. Oanh’s impact story is a testament to how the combination of knowledge and practice can create significant change, not only in the agriculture and food technology sectors but also in enhancing the national standing on the international stage. Her efforts have contributed to build a reputable and sustainable Vietnamese agricultural brand, helping Vietnamese agricultural products go further on the global trade map.

Readers can refer to the following links from the Mekong Institute to explore their article about Dr. Vu Thi Kim Oanh’s impact story.

https://www.facebook.com/mekonginstitute.org/posts/-reducing-food-loss-boosting-vegetable-export-in-vietnam-dr-vu-thi-kim-oanh-from/1054513563377325/

            Faculty of Food Science and Technology