A delegation from the Vietnam Coconut Association, led by Mr. Cao Ba Dang Khoa, Secretary General and Vice President of the Association, recently paid a courtesy visit to the ICC Secretariat. Mr. Cao is also the ICC National Liaison Officer for the Government of Vietnam, under the Ministry of Industry and Trade. The delegation, comprising five members from the Vietnam Coconut Association and Mr. Pham The Cuong, Counsellor (Trade Affairs) of the Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to Indonesia, was warmly welcomed by Dr. Jelfina Alouw, Executive Director of the ICC.
During the visit, ED Dr. Jelfina appreciated and deeply acknowledged the efforts made by the Vietnam Coconut Association to strengthen relationships with ICC and its member countries. She highlighted Vietnam's significant contributions to the global coconut industry, noting that Vietnam ranks among the top three countries for coconut milk and coconut cream production. Dr. Jelfina also praised Vietnam for its high productivity in terms of nuts per hectare compared to other major coconut-producing countries. During the meeting, she provided an overview of ICC's vision, mission, and upcoming programs and activities, including the Ministerial Meeting and the 51st COCOTECH Conference. Dr. Jelfina also invited Vietnam to continue and further enhance its collaboration with ICC in the future.
Following their meeting at the ICC Secretariat, the Vietnamese delegation engaged with coconut farmers and members of the Indonesian Coconut Processing Industry Association. In the evening, they met with Dr. Steivie Karouw, Head of Palm Plant Instrument Standards Testing Center (BSIP Palma), and visited their coconut farms.
The delegation participated in a three-day field visit to coconut farms and industries in North Minahasa Regency. In Likupang, they met with the Regent and visited a coconut plantation in Marinso Village. The discussions with local farmers and collectors, which were not just informative, but also engaging, focused on plantation management, marketing strategies, and harvesting techniques. These interactions provided not just insights, but valuable and practical insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by coconut farmers in Indonesia, making the audience feel more informed and engaged.
Last month, the Vietnam Coconut Association also concluded a courtesy and industry visit to the Philippines, facilitated by the Philippines Coconut Authority (PCA), Government of the Philippines, with coordination from the ICC. This visit aimed to strengthen international cooperation further and share best practices within the coconut industry.
