Vietnam's agriculture and rural development sector is projected to reach an export turnover of US$70 billion in 2025, an increase of $7.5 billion compared to 2024, according to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at a conference on December 27 summarizing 2024 and outlining plans for 2025 in the agriculture sector.

The prime minister said that 2025 will be a year of “acceleration and breakthrough” aimed at achieving socio-economic goals. He set specific targets, including a GDP growth rate for the sector of 3.5-4%, ensuring that over 60% of rural households have access to clean water, and maintaining forest coverage at 42%.

An overview of the conference. Photos: Hanoimoi Newspaper

To achieve these objectives, the prime minister outlined several key tasks, including refining institutional policies, restructuring the agricultural sector around key product groups, promoting digital transformation, and fostering the development of a green economy. He also stressed the importance of expanding markets and building a strong brand for Vietnamese agricultural products.

Chinh expressed his admiration for the achievements of the agriculture sector, particularly in overcoming challenges such as natural disasters and disease outbreaks. In 2024, the sector recorded an export turnover of $62.5 billion, reflecting an 18.7% increase from 2023. The sector's GDP growth rate reached 3.3%, surpassing the government's target, while the trade surplus amounted to $17.9 billion, accounting for 72% of the nation's total trade surplus.

Key export sectors demonstrated strong growth, with major agricultural products reaching $32.8 billion, forestry products at $17.28 billion, seafood at $10.07 billion, and livestock products at $533.6 million. Notably, seven items surpassed $3 billion in export value, marking an increase of one product compared to the previous year.

The sector's success is also evident in the expansion of export markets. The inaugural Vietnam Fruit Festival held in Beijing opened significant opportunities for Vietnamese agricultural products in the Chinese market. Additionally, the "One Commune One Product" (OCOP) program made substantial progress, with over 14,600 products meeting three-star standards or higher, an increase of more than 3,500 items compared to 2023.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the event.

During the conference, participants discussed various limitations and challenges that need to be addressed, including the stagnation in the number of communes meeting new rural development standards since the beginning of the year. The growth of agricultural cooperatives has been slow, with many struggling to operate effectively and failing to adequately connect farmers with businesses.

At the event, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh identified and unregulated (IUU) fishing, as well as the slow progress in building agricultural brands. He emphasized that a key lesson for the agricultural sector in 2024 is the importance of staying agile in responding to market changes while maintaining trust with traditional partners and customers.

"To foster rapid and sustainable growth in the agriculture sector, we need to strengthen the application of advanced science and technology, as well as digital transformation in agricultural production. This approach is crucial for developing an economy that prioritizes green and circular economic practices," said Chinh.

He also called for expanding markets for agricultural products, diversifying offerings, enhancing branding and supply chains, and ensuring timely responses to market fluctuations. Additionally, he emphasized the need to advance the maritime economy, particularly in aquaculture and processing, to increase the value of products.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (middle), Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan (left) and other delegates visit a booth displaying agricultural products at the event.

At the conference, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan said it's needed to increase the value of agricultural products through the development of sustainable value chains and strong branding. 

"To achieve the ambitious export target of $70 billion, the agriculture sector must undergo a significant transformation, shifting from fragmented production to a more professional model that incorporates advanced technology and adheres to international standards," said Hoan.

Hoan also urged localities to focus on strengthening the link between production and consumption, not only to meet domestic demand but also to target more discerning markets such as the EU and the US.