Dutch-Korean Leaders Collaborate to Transform Agrifood Sector
Seoul, Saturday, 31 May 2025.
At the Saemangeum International Cooperation Seminar in Seoul, Dutch and Korean leaders emphasized enhancing agrifood innovation, addressing global food challenges with sustainable practices and strategic planning.
Seminar Highlights Dutch-Korean Innovations
The Saemangeum International Cooperation Seminar, held on 30 May 2025 in Seoul, served as a pivotal gathering point for over 150 participants from various sectors. This event, co-hosted by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Saemangeum Development and Investment Agency (SDIA), aimed to bolster sustainable agrifood cooperation between the Netherlands and Korea. Presentations focused on spatial planning, circular agriculture, and logistics innovations, underlining the strategic importance of bilateral efforts to address food security and climate change [1].
Innovative Strategies for Sustainable Agrifood Systems
The seminar showcased pioneering strategies from Dutch experts that could transform Saemangeum into a global agrifood hub. Dr. Jin Wenqing of Greengrounds and agricultural leaders like Mr. Rick Nobel introduced cutting-edge modeling systems for sustainable food ecosystems [1]. This aligns with Korea’s larger ambition, articulated by the administrator of SDIA, Kyung-Ahn Kim, to position Saemangeum as a critical node in global food logistics, leveraging its vast agro-bio lands and advanced transportation infrastructure [2].
Dutch Innovation and Global Collaborations
The Netherlands is internationally recognized for its expertise in agricultural exports, being the second-largest exporter globally [2]. This seminar reinforced the value of Dutch insights in spatial planning and sustainable logistics. Discussions led by representatives from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency spotlighted the role of integrated planning in the Saemangeum Masterplan, driven by the RVO Idea Accelerator initiative [1]. Such collaborations are set to deepen, focusing on R&D and technology exchange to enhance agrifood systems [1].
Towards a Global Agrifood Hub
As Saemangeum strives to establish itself as a global center for food production and innovation, support from international partners like the Netherlands proves crucial. With continued emphasis on resilience and sustainable development amidst climate challenges, this partnership symbolizes a joint commitment to leading the agrifood innovation agenda in Asia and beyond. The Dutch-Korean seminar underscores the transformative potential of such cooperation in creating sustainable food systems for future generations [1][2].