From the Mekong Delta’s aquaculture ponds and Lam Dong’s greenhouses to high-level policy discussions, the Agricultural Counsellor for the Netherlands in Vietnam, Ms. Ingrid Korving, has spent the past four years deeply engaged in Vietnam’s agriculture sector. As her assignment comes to an end, she reflects on key milestones, professional insights, and the personal experiences that made Vietnam feel like a second home.
Agricultural Counsellor Ingrid Korving in Vietnam - graphic designed by EKN Hanoi
When you first arrived in Vietnam in 2022, what were your first impressions - both professionally and personally? What surprised you most compared to your expectations? Looking back, was there a particular experience that changed your perspective on agriculture, diplomacy, or life?
When I first arrived in Vietnam in 2022, I was immediately struck by the energy of the country. Professionally, I saw a fast-moving agricultural sector full of ambition, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit. On a personal level, what surprised me most was how warm and welcoming people were. I expected Vietnam to be dynamic, but I didn’t expect to feel at home so quickly. Living in Hanoi also had its challenges - especially the traffic. But after four years of driving there without a single accident, I’m actually quite proud of that. I also had the chance to travel around Vietnam by car, which gave me a much deeper appreciation of the country and its people.
Agricultural Counsellor Ingrid Korving at King's Day reception in Hanoi, Vietnam in April 2026
Looking back, one of the experiences that changed my perspective the most was spending time with farmers and local entrepreneurs in Vietnam. Hearing directly how climate change, post-harvest losses, value chain challenges and market pressures affect their daily decisions made the challenges feel very real and immediate. It also showed me how important practical cooperation between Vietnam and the Netherlands can be, especially in areas like sustainable agriculture. That experience reminded me that diplomacy is not only about policies and official meetings. At its core, it is about building trust, understanding local realities, and helping create practical solutions for sector development which has an impact on peoples live.
During your years in Vietnam, what was the most memorable mission or meaningful project that you and your LAN Vietnam team did together? Do you have one moment that you feel most proud of?
There were many memorable missions/events during my time in Vietnam, but one of the most meaningful was working together with the LAN Vietnam team on strengthening sustainable agriculture partnerships between Vietnam and the Netherlands. I especially remember events where Dutch and Vietnamese experts, companies and local authorities could sit together and openly exchange ideas on sustainable agriculture. One example is the visit of former Minister, Ms Christianne van der Wal, to Vietnam to deliberate on collaborative efforts towards developing sustainable food systems.
Ingrid with aquaculture businesses’ representatives and former Minister Christianne van der Wal at Mekong Delta Business Forum during the Economic Mission, 2024
The missions to the Mekong Delta were particularly impactful, as they highlighted both the urgency of climate adaptation and the resilience required to address it. At the same time, visits to Lam Dong demonstrated how innovation and technology can transform the horticulture sector, creating higher value for farmers, improving safe food production, and reducing environmental impact.
Delegates at Netherlands - Vietnam business forum on Sustainable Aquaculture
One moment I feel especially proud of was seeing partnerships move beyond discussions into concrete cooperation projects. It was rewarding to witness trust grow between Vietnamese and Dutch partners and to know that our team helped create those connections. The cooperation between Vietnam and the Netherlands on integrated approach towards sustainable aquaculture in the Mekong Delta is absolutely one of the highlights.
Beeld: © EKN Hanoi
Ms. Ingrid Korving and her Agri Team in Vietnam
However, I could not have done my work over the past four years without my team in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. They were truly the driving force behind our impact and success. I am deeply grateful for everything they taught me - not only professionally, but also about Vietnam and its culture. Working across cultural differences was sometimes challenging, but it was equally rewarding. It pushed me to grow, become more open-minded, and better understand different perspectives. These experiences have had a lasting impact on me, and I sincerely appreciate the support, patience, and collaboration of my team.
What should be the top priority for the next phase of agricultural cooperation between Vietnam and the Netherlands? Where has Dutch expertise made the most tangible impact in Vietnam’s agriculture?
For the next phase of cooperation, I believe sustainability and climate resilience should remain the top priorities. Vietnam is already facing the effects of climate change, especially in vulnerable regions such as the Mekong Delta, so investing in resilient agricultural systems is essential. If I could recommend one priority, it would be strengthening integrated and sustainable food systems - combining productivity with water efficiency, lower emissions, and better value chains. This includes areas such as smart horticulture, sustainable aquaculture, circular agriculture, and water management. Dutch expertise has made some of the most tangible impacts in areas like greenhouse technology, seed development, animal nutrition, water management, and sustainable aquaculture. But perhaps even more importantly, the cooperation has encouraged knowledge-sharing and long-term partnerships that continue to grow.
Beyond work, what have you come to love most about Vietnam?
Beyond work, what I will remember most about Vietnam is its people. Everywhere I went, I experienced genuine kindness, warmth, and hospitality.
I also fell in love with Vietnamese food - from simple street food to regional specialties. Sharing meals is such an important part of daily life, and it became one of the best ways to connect with people and culture.
The landscapes are another highlight, incredibly diverse from north to south, each region offering something unique and impressive.
A photo of rice field in Sapa, Vietnam
As you leave Vietnam, what gives you the most optimism about the future of agriculture here?
What gives me the most optimism is the creativity and determination I have seen across Vietnam’s agricultural sector, especially among young farmers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers. There is a strong drive to innovate and adapt to future challenges, and a clear ambition to move towards more sustainable and higher-value agriculture with efficiency.
Beeld: © EKN Hanoi / Ingrid Korving
A flower farm in Lam Dong
The partnership between Vietnam and the Netherlands has an important role to play in this journey. Over the past years, I have seen it grow from knowledge exchange into more practical collaboration and long-term partnerships in areas such as climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable aquaculture and horticulture. I’m confident this cooperation will continue to deepen and deliver real impact, combining Dutch expertise with Vietnam’s dynamism and innovation to shape a more sustainable agricultural future.