Broad-based cooperative potential

What makes Vietnam a strategic market for Saskatchewan? What are the key factors driving the growth of bilateral trade cooperation between Vietnam and the province?

Vietnam is a rapidly-growing economy, and we have closely observed its impressive development over the past several years. We believe Saskatchewan can play a valuable role in supporting Vietnam’s continued growth by supplying essential materials crucial to its expanding industries. As an emerging economic powerhouse in Southeast Asia, Vietnam presents significant opportunities for trade, and we are eager to be part of this dynamic market.

One of the key drivers of our bilateral trade cooperation is the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which ensures strong trade relations between our two economies by providing a stable, tariff-free environment; something increasingly vital in today’s global trade landscape. Having such agreements in place strengthens our ability to engage with valuable partners like Vietnam and enhances the mutual economic benefits.

Saskatchewan is well-positioned to contribute to Vietnam’s economic progress, by providing essential commodities and resources that align with the country’s development needs. Through continued collaboration, trade partnerships, and shared economic interests, we aim to build a stronger, long-term relationship that benefits both sides.

Vietnam is one of Canada’s key trade partners in Southeast Asia. What strategies does Saskatchewan have to leverage this strength, expand its market, and increase exports to Vietnam?

We certainly recognize Vietnam’s importance to Saskatchewan’s economy, which is why we have established a trade office in Vietnam. Among our nine international trade offices worldwide, Vietnam holds a particularly significant position. While our initial focus was on agricultural commodities and fertilizer, we see vast potential for expanding trade across various sectors.

Agriculture is a key industry for us. However, Saskatchewan is also rich in critical minerals that play a vital role in global sustainability efforts. These include uranium, potash, gold, diamonds, copper, and helium, all of which present strong opportunities for trade expansion with Vietnam. As industries worldwide transition towards greener and more sustainable practices, we believe our resources can play a crucial role in supporting Vietnam’s economic and environmental goals.

Additionally, there is a growing demand for skilled workers, and we see tremendous potential in strengthening labor mobility between Canada and Vietnam. By fostering closer ties in education and vocational training, we aim to create pathways for skilled labor exchange between our two countries. This will not only support our local industries but also provide Vietnamese workers with opportunities in high-demand sectors. We look forward to strengthening collaboration in education, training, and workforce development to build a globally-competitive workforce that benefits both nations.

How has Saskatchewan developed sustainable agricultural practices, and what lessons can Vietnam learn from its experience?

Agriculture is a cornerstone of Saskatchewan’s economy and remains one of our most significant export sectors, encompassing a wide range of commodities, such as grains, oilseeds, and pulses. Beyond production, we have made substantial investments in agricultural research and innovation to ensure long-term sustainability, improve productivity, and minimize the environmental impact.

One key area we would like to share with Vietnam is our research-driven approach, which has enabled us to develop more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices in both crop cultivation and livestock management. Through advancements in soil health management, precision farming, and climate-resilient crop development, Saskatchewan has increased yields while reducing resource consumption. Similarly, in livestock farming, we have implemented best practices in feed efficiency, waste management, and sustainable grazing techniques to promote environmental responsibility.

We have engaged in valuable discussions with various ministry officials on potential collaboration in agricultural research, technology transfer, and sustainable farming practices. A key focus is reducing the carbon footprint and enhancing sustainability in food production by adopting low-emission farming techniques, improving water efficiency, and utilizing innovative crop rotation methods.

Furthermore, Saskatchewan’s agriculture and agri-food research institutions continue to explore new solutions in crop genetics, pest management, and regenerative farming; advancements that could be highly beneficial for Vietnam’s agricultural sector. Strengthening partnerships between our research institutions and Vietnamese counterparts could foster knowledge exchange and drive long-term improvements in food security and agricultural sustainability.

Can you elaborate on Saskatchewan’s collaboration with Vietnam in the industrial and renewable energy sectors?

We place a strong emphasis on renewable energy and energy security, and recognize that these priorities are just as important to Vietnam as they are to us. We see many opportunities for collaboration and synergies that can help Vietnam advance its energy security goals.

Saskatchewan is fortunate to have vast deposits of high-quality uranium, positioning us as a key player in the global energy transition. As our province works to reduce its reliance on coal and natural gas, we acknowledge that this shift will take time. However, we are actively moving towards nuclear energy as a reliable baseload power source. Significant research and development efforts are already underway in Saskatchewan, with dedicated facilities exploring advancements in nuclear energy.

Additionally, several Saskatchewan-based companies are directly involved in nuclear power, including ownership stakes in nuclear power plants. These companies, along with our research institutions, have accumulated extensive expertise in nuclear energy, and we believe this knowledge and experience can be shared with Vietnam to support its own energy transition. By strengthening cooperation in nuclear energy and other renewable energy sectors, we aim to contribute to Vietnam’s efforts in achieving long-term energy security and sustainability.

Saskatchewan is home to many high-quality universities and training institutions. How do you see the potential for cooperation with Vietnamese universities and educational organizations?

Saskatchewan’s universities and research institutions are at the forefront of innovation in various fields, including carbon capture and utilization, nuclear energy, and other advanced technologies. These institutions play a crucial role in developing sustainable solutions and addressing global challenges. We see significant potential for collaboration with Vietnamese universities and educational organizations, particularly in areas where research and technological advancements can drive long-term economic and environmental benefits for both regions.

One key example is the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), which is closely associated with our universities and contributes significantly to global health research, including vaccine development and infectious disease prevention. Partnerships in this field could lead to joint research initiatives and capacity-building efforts that enhance public health resilience in both Saskatchewan and Vietnam.

Beyond scientific research, Saskatchewan also offers expertise in agriculture, environmental sustainability, and technical training, which could be valuable for Vietnam’s workforce development. Collaborative programs, student exchanges, and faculty partnerships could strengthen ties between our educational institutions and foster innovation across multiple sectors.

By deepening academic and research cooperation, we can create opportunities for knowledge transfer, skills development, and groundbreaking discoveries that benefit both countries. We look forward to expanding these partnerships and working together to build a more sustainable and knowledge-driven future.