What led to the launch of the CocoNext international workshop, ma’am?
Vietnam is the seventh-largest coconut producer globally, and Ben Tre is the country’s “coconut capital,” with over 79,000 hectares dedicated to coconut cultivation. However, before CocoNext, we lacked an international-scale connecting point where all stakeholders, including the government, farmers, businesses, experts, partners, and customers, could come together to exchange development solutions.
I initiated CocoNext with a vision for a resilient and robust future for the coconut industry. I believe this is the expectation and commitment shared by all stakeholders.
How will CocoNext function?
CocoNext is more than just a workshop; it is an annual and prestigious event series. CocoNext aims for breakthrough changes that reshape the context and usher in a new phase of development for the coconut industry.
We will realize this goal by sharing and exchanging strategies for sustainable development, innovative solutions, advanced technology applications in production and management, optimizing the value chain, and boosting export potential.
Simultaneously, innovative models from leading coconut-producing countries open up extensive collaboration opportunities.
What will the Vietnamese coconut industry gain from the CocoNext event series?
This workshop not only affirms Vietnam’s position in the international coconut industry but also boosts robust growth for the entire sector.
Through the workshop’s sharing platform, all participating units in the coconut value chain have the opportunity to access and discover new information and solutions while expanding their global cooperation horizons.
CocoNext will help shape an overall strategy to transform the coconut tree into one of Vietnam’s key production and export industries.
Given the potential and stature of our country’s coconut industry, I aspire to position Vietnam as a global center for coconut innovation and creativity, with Ben Tre taking the lead in research and development.
In your opinion, what is the most significant challenge facing the Vietnamese coconut industry? Does CocoNext offer any solutions to these issues?
One of the most significant challenges for the Vietnamese coconut industry is its low added value. Fresh coconut water and crudely processed products constitute a significant proportion of exports, while high-value processed products have not received adequate attention.
Additionally, the industry contends with climate change and competitive pressures from countries like the Philippines and Indonesia. Traditional experience alone cannot address these challenges.
CocoNext presents a range of solutions, from sustainable development strategies to the pivotal elements of technology and innovation. Integrating advanced technology into the coconut industry is not merely a choice but a prerequisite for sustainable growth and enhanced value chain.
Consequently, technological advancements hold the promise of elevating the coconut industry to new heights, encompassing creative packaging techniques, food and healthcare processing, sustainable energy exploitation, and the development of novel coconut-derived products.
Could you share some technology- and innovation-driven solutions?
At CocoNext 2024, we presented technology and innovation solutions that have been successfully implemented at Betrimex.
Participants could experience digital agriculture, traceable technology, and explore the immense versatility of coconuts. Through research and development, every part of the coconut tree, including its leaves, flowers, fruits, trunk, and roots, can be transformed into high-value products.
Notably, coconut water and flesh are processed into food products (coconut water, coconut milk, coconut cream, coconut yogurt, etc.) or used in healthcare and beauty products. Meanwhile, coir, trunk, and roots are developed into environmentally friendly and healthy products such as coconut shell charcoal, activated carbon, and palettes.
This is just a glimpse into the diverse range of coconut-derived products. Continuous innovation and creativity are our guiding principles.
As a result, Betrimex has emerged as the leading coconut brand in Vietnam and the sixth-largest coconut producer globally. Our products are present in over 70 countries, meeting stringent requirements of demanding markets like Europe and the United States.
Another company under your leadership, TTC AgriS, also holds a leading position in the sugar industry. Is this success also attributed to technology and innovation?
Absolutely. Technology and scientific creativity have propelled TTC AgriS to remarkable heights, with current export revenues surpassing $1 billion.
TTC AgriS employs precision agriculture, encompassing field design, raw material management, and cultivation efficiency. Through the trio of DigiFarm, DigiFactory, and DigiRetails applications, data from cultivation, production, and commerce are synchronized, optimizing efficiency, minimizing waste, and enhancing the value chain of products.
Prior to the inception of CocoNext, we successfully organized the TTC AgriS Innovation Day since 2023, an annual international event series offering novel solutions for the sugar industry.
We will also introduce the AgroDay event series in April next year, providing an international platform for the entire agricultural sector. AgroDay focuses on addressing practical challenges, sharing valuable information on agro-techno-economics, and insights from industry leaders and top experts worldwide.
With event series like CocoNext and TTC AgriS Innovation Day, what kind of innovation do you envision for Vietnamese agriculture?
I firmly believe that Vietnam possesses immense potential to become a global hub for high-tech agriculture. However, to achieve this, we need to intensify investment in research and development, technology, and innovation. My aspiration is for Vietnamese enterprises to excel not only in production but also in pioneering solutions, products, and processes.
I am hopeful that CocoNext, TTC AgriS Innovation Day, and the upcoming AgroDay will inspire and propel Vietnamese agriculture towards a sustainable future. This is not merely an economic goal but also a source of national pride.
Thank you very much, ma’am!
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