Fresh Academy in Vietnam

Dutch-Vietnamese collaborationin the

horticulture sector

Toon KeijsersVelp, 19th November 2015

1

2

A challenging collaboration

3

Why?1. Logical, next step, following on various

previous projects/networks (Fresh Studio)2. Fits with the Dutch government policy

(transition from aid to trade) and related to the Dutch agenda in Vietnam (HortiViN)

3. Fits with the desired (sustainable) development direction of the Vietnamese agriculture & food sector

4

Characteristics• Co-funded by the Dutch government • Own contributions and investments from all

partners• First focus: knowledge/skills development • Spin-off: business development /

involvement of the private sector

5

Goals1. A solid business case for the Fresh Academy, based

on commercial principles 1)

2. Capable leadership, training staff and training programs (curricula)

3. Sustainable cooperation between Dutch and Vietnamese knowledge & private sector partners

1) The focus in this project is on protected horticulture, but the concept should be applicable for other sectors as well, such as arable crops, animal husbandry, aquaculture

6

Dutch project partners

7

Dutch project partnersEducation partnersHAS University of Applied SciencesLentiz Education GroupWageningen UR / PPO

Private knowledge partnersDemokwekerij WestlandKenlog BV

Supporting enterprises VDH Foliage Greenhouses, Luiten Screens, Priva, Metazet FormFlex, Koppert Biological Systems, Rijk Zwaan

Supporting public institutionRijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RvO)

 

8

Vietnamese project partners

9

Vietnamese project partnersEducation partnersVietnam National University of Agriculture – Ha NoiDa Lat University - Lam DongNong Lam University - Ho Chi Minh CityDong Thap University- Mekong Delta

Private knowledge partnerFresh Studio

Supporting enterprises Horticulture sector in Lam Dong and Dong Thap provincesGrowers/entrepreneurs participating in Fresh Academy Supporting public institutionsLocal Governments (PPC) Lam Dong and Dong Thap provinces

14

Collaboration in practice…1. Shared project goals & unique partner goals…

2. Complementary expertise & rivalry/competition…

3. Dutch approach & Vietnamese (business) culture

4. Leading professionals & respecting professionals…

5. Open partnerships & resources, contracts & control…

15

Collaboration in development…1. Project approved with Dutch & Vietnamese partners

2. Building of Dutch & Vietnamese teams!

3. Fresh Academy ToT trajectory (2015 – 2017)

4. Fresh Academy business development

5. The moment(s) of truth (2017 and beyond)

16

Collaboration “wisdom”…1. Accept “a bit more of the blame” and a “bit less of the

fame”…

2. Understand collaboration dimensions:• Continuity (# contact moments, short & long term)• Context (e.g. power relations in VN)• Commonality (shared goals, short & long term)

3. “Experience is the name we give to our mistakes” (Oscar Wilde)

17

Experience RvO1. More PPP projects in emerging markets and

development countries

2. Partners for International Business

3. Close cooperation with NL embassies

18

Your Experience?