Fresh Academy in Vietnam Dutch-Vietnamese collaboration in the horticulture sector Toon Keijsers Velp, 19 th November 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 Goals 1.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 Education partners HAS University of Applied Sciences Lentiz Education Group Wageningen UR / PPO Private knowledge partners Demokwekerij Westland Kenlog BV Supporting enterprises VDH Foliage Greenhouses, Luiten Screens, Priva, Metazet FormFlex, Koppert Biological Systems, Rijk Zwaan Supporting public institution Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RvO) 8 Vietnamese project partners 9 Education partners Vietnam National University of Agriculture Ha Noi Da Lat University - Lam Dong Nong Lam University - Ho Chi Minh City Dong Thap University- Mekong Delta Private knowledge partner Fresh Studio Supporting enterprises Horticulture sector in Lam Dong and Dong Thap provinces Growers/entrepreneurs participating in Fresh Academy Supporting public institutions Local 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 RvO 1.More PPP projects in emerging markets and development countries 2.Partners for International Business 3.Close cooperation with NL embassies 18 Your Experience?