EuroCham Vietnam is proud to support CropLife International and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Plant Protection Department in co-hosting the 2024 International Container Management Symposium (CMS 2024) in Ho Chi Minh City, from 4-6 September. The event brought together over 70 global experts in packaging management and pesticide regulatory agencies from Southeast Asia to discuss effective management and disposal of pesticide packaging, advancing green and circular agricultural development strategies in Vietnam and the region.
Day 1: Economic Significance and Global Container Management Efforts
The symposium opened with an exploration of Vietnam’s agriculture sector, which contributes $53 billion annually to the economy. Discussions focused on the introduction of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in Vietnam, aimed at enhancing sustainable practices. Updates from CropLife International revealed that container management programmes have been implemented in 69 countries worldwide, including Vietnam, achieving an average global collection rate of 66%. The session emphasised the need for strategic approaches to boost collection rates and develop robust container management systems.
Day 2: Developing EPR and Enhancing Container Management Strategies
Day 2 concentrated on the development of EPR regulations globally, particularly their implementation in Vietnam. With Vietnam’s new EPR policy framework for packaging products effective from 1 January 2024, the discussions highlighted the necessity for regulations specific to plant protection products. Recommendations included increased farmer involvement and the readiness of CropLife to support the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) in the legal consultation process and awareness campaigns. The session also covered advances in container management, featuring innovative recycling methods and communication strategies to improve collection rates.
Day 3: Global Insights and On-Ground Practices
The final day delved into global container management practices and international standards for sustainable plastic use. These discussions were set to provide critical insights into the future of agricultural plastics and how global commitments might influence Vietnam’s policies. The symposium concluded with a field trip to a globalgap certified smallholder citrus farmer of The Fruit Republic in Long An Province, offering participants a practical view of sustainable container management practices in action. This field experience highlighted the importance of effective container management in promoting a sustainable agricultural sector in Vietnam.
EuroCham Vietnam’s Continued Support for Sustainable Agriculture
At the symposium, Mr. Jean-Jacques Bouflet, Vice-Chairman of EuroCham Vietnam, stated: “EuroCham has been actively promoting sustainable activities in Vietnam, including organizing the Green Economy Forum and Exhibition (GEFE) in 2022 and planning another one in October 2024. These significant events play a crucial role in driving discussions about the future of sustainability, thereby enhancing our role. We are committed to supporting Vietnam’s vision for a sustainable future, particularly in the agricultural sector.”
