The working visit of sub-project 5 at Ghent University (Kingdom of Belgium) and in Binh Thuan province (Vietnam) from May 12- 26, 2023

Within the framework of the Phase 1 Partnership Project for University Institutional Cooperation with Quy Nhon University (the IUC-QNU Phase 1), from May 12 – 26, 2023, Dr. Cao Tan Binh and  Dr. Bui Hong Hai (members of sub-project 5) had a working visit at Ghent University (Kingdom of Belgium) and in Binh Thuan province (Vietnam). The purpose of the visit was to exchange expertise, discuss working plans, and examine practical models related to the fruit supply chains to improve the research model and effectively implement activities in the near future.
During a short-term working visit to Belgium from May 12 to 23, 2023, they worked with Prof. Stijn Speelman (Flemish team leader of sub-project 5), had a friendly meeting with Prof. Steven Van Passel (Flemish team member of sub-project 5) at Ghent University, and went on field trips to several farms and fruit processing facilities in Ghent (Belgium).

Dr. Cao Tan Binh, Dr. Bui Hong Hai, and Prof. Stijn Speelman at Ghent University – Kingdom of Belgium

The field trip to Wijndomein Vandersteene – A vineyard in Ghent (www.gemaflor.eu)

The field trip to Lerouge – An apple processing facility in Ghent ( www.appelperslerouge.be)

Following the working plan, right after the working visit in Belgium, Dr. Cao Tan Binh and Dr. Bui Hong Hai returned to Viet Nam and went on the field trip in Binh Thuan province with the company of other members of sub-project 5, including Prof. Stijn Speelman  (Flemish Team Leader), MSc. Nguyen Thi Thuy Dung, MSc. Nguyen Thi Thuy Giang, and MSc. Le My Kim on May 26, 2023. The delegation had a meeting with Binh Thuan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development on the survey plan, organization of workshops, and dissemination of expected research results to relevant stakeholders in the province. They also visited some dragon fruit farms and businesses which process and trade dragon fruit products.

The meeting between sub-project 5 and Binh Thuan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

The field trip to Trinh Anh dragon fruit farm with an area of more than 30 hectares

At Hoa Le dragon fruit processing and trading facility

At Ham Minh dragon fruit cooperative

The business trip was great successful. It is expected that all the valuable connection and information will pave the way for the successful implementation of sub-project 5  within the framework of the IUC-QNU Phase 1.