Vietnam helps Mozambique develop food crops Vietnam will help carry out a project on cooperation and research on the development of food crops in Mozambique for the 2013-17 period. An agreement between the two governments on the 2.1 million USD project was signed in Hanoi on March 11. The agreement covers personnel training and the development of food crop models to help the African country promote its agricultural production, thus raising rice productivity and reducing import of rice. The two sides will pilot models of planting soy bean, sweet potato and vegetables to ensure food security and increase income for local farmers. Addressing the signing ceremony, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Cao Duc Phat said that the Vietnamese Government highly values cooperation with Mozambique in various fields, including exchange of gene sources, development of rice cultivation models, and rice cooperation. The implementation of the project continues to reflect the two countries’ resolve in boosting partnership in agriculture, he added. Mozambican Ambassador to Vietnam Gamiliel Sepulveda Joao Munguambe said he believes that the project will gradually contribute to developing Mozambique ’s agriculture while ensuring food security and improving Mozambicans’ living conditions. Mozambique pledges to join hands with Vietnam for the project’s goals, he stressed.-VNA