Arabfields, Meriem Senouci, Correspondent, Hanoï, Vietnam — Vietnam has been recognized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) as one of the strongest examples of effective South-South cooperation, highlighting the country’s growing role in supporting agricultural development and food security across the developing world.

The recognition came during the 181st Session of the FAO Council in Rome, where FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu pointed to Vietnam’s experience in agricultural transformation and rural development as a model that other nations can adapt to their own circumstances.

Over the past decade, Vietnam has evolved from a recipient of development assistance into an increasingly influential provider of agricultural expertise. Through training programs, technology transfers and technical cooperation initiatives, Vietnamese specialists have shared knowledge with countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America seeking to improve food production and strengthen rural economies.

Agriculture remains a pillar of Vietnam’s economy in 2026, employing roughly one-quarter of the national workforce and supporting millions of rural households. The country’s experience in boosting productivity, developing export-oriented value chains and promoting local products has attracted growing international attention.

One of the initiatives frequently cited by international organizations is the One Commune One Product program, which encourages rural communities to develop competitive local products while increasing farmers’ incomes. The initiative has contributed to the development of thousands of certified products across the country and has become a reference point for rural development policies in several developing nations.

For farmers such as Nguyen Van Minh in northern Vietnam, the benefits of these programs are visible in everyday life. “A few years ago, many producers struggled to find stable markets,” he said. “Today, better training and stronger connections with buyers have helped improve incomes and create opportunities for younger generations.”

The FAO’s recognition comes at a time when global food systems face mounting pressure from climate change, supply chain disruptions and rising production costs. According to international estimates, more than half of the world’s population lives in the Asia-Pacific region, making agricultural resilience and food security increasingly important policy priorities.

Vietnam’s approach has attracted attention because it combines productivity growth with rural development and climate adaptation measures. Officials and development experts say this balance is becoming essential as countries work to secure food supplies while reducing environmental pressures.

Looking ahead, analysts expect Vietnam’s influence within South-South cooperation programs to continue expanding. Demand for practical agricultural solutions is rising across developing economies, particularly in areas such as sustainable farming, digital agriculture and value-added food production.

Based on current cooperation trends and FAO priorities for 2026, Vietnam is likely to deepen its involvement in international agricultural partnerships over the coming years. Experts believe the country could play a larger role in training farmers, supporting food system modernization and helping developing nations strengthen resilience against climate-related risks.

As governments search for effective models to address global food security challenges, Vietnam’s experience is increasingly being viewed as an example of how agricultural knowledge, local innovation and international cooperation can contribute to long-term development.