The visit underscored Viet Nam’s commitment to deepening practical ties with African countries, particularly in sustainable agriculture and water resource development.
Deputy PM Long highlighted Viet Nam’s extensive experience in managing over 830 billion cubic meters of surface water annually and implementing effective irrigation systems despite uneven distribution and climate challenges.
Viet Nam currently manages over 7.8 million hectares of irrigated land, supported by more than 100 major and thousands of smaller multi-purpose hydraulic works. Efficient models such as alternate wetting and drying irrigation have helped reduce water usage by 30% and increase yields by up to 20%.
Viet Nam also offered to share cost-effective technologies for rural water supply, salinity treatment, and flood-resilient systems, particularly useful in regions like the Mekong Delta.
The two sides discussed establishing a bilateral working group to expand collaboration in planning, project development, technology transfer, and capacity building. Viet Nam proposed pilot projects in water-saving irrigation and simple, low-cost filtration technologies for remote areas. It also expressed willingness to send short-term technical experts and host Senegalese scholars and trainees.
Both sides agreed to explore joint research and data-sharing on climate change, drought, and flood warning systems. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of Viet Nam will coordinate efforts with Senegalese counterparts and the Vietnamese Embassy in Algeria (accredited to Senegal) to ensure follow-up and implementation.
Minister Dieye welcomed Viet Nam’s proposals and emphasised the importance of water governance, particularly for transboundary river basins like the Senegal River. He expressed interest in learning from Viet Nam’s Mekong River Commission experience.
