Strong cooperation between Vietnam and the United States in the agricultural sector

DNHN - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh asked the US side to increase cooperation and support for Vietnam in the agricultural development process.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed his strong feelings and desire for a significant partnership with the United States during a recent meeting and working session with the US Department of Agriculture's delegation. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized that Vietnam has always regarded the United States as one of its most important allies and desires to develop a comprehensive partnership with the United States, particularly in the agricultural sector.

The agricultural sector has always been regarded as a crucial aspect of the bilateral relationship between the two countries. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh asked the US side to increase cooperation and support for Vietnam in the agricultural development process. Vietnam aims in particular to develop a modern, sustainable agricultural sector and integrate it into the global economy. Promoting ecological agriculture and modern rural areas is also an important goal to improve the quality of life of farmers and ensure food security in the future.

In addition, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh requested that the United States Department of Agriculture assist Vietnam in adapting to climate change and the digital transformation of the agricultural sector. Vietnam has been confronted with numerous climate change-related challenges and requires assistance from partners to modernize its agriculture through the application of technology and innovative solutions. In addition, disease control and the development of vaccines, pesticides, and animal feed are regarded as significant concerns.

Thomas Vilsack, the secretary of agriculture for the United States, has affirmed the country's desire to strengthen trade relations with Vietnam. The parties agreed to continue cooperating and exchanging knowledge regarding the development of intelligent agriculture and climate change adaptation. These efforts will help both nations meet the agricultural challenges of the twenty-first century and promote sustainable development.

In the context of Vietnam's efforts to expand its agricultural product market, particularly in the United States, relations with the United States Department of Agriculture are crucial. Nevertheless, Vietnam also faces trade barriers, food hygiene and safety standards, and fierce competition from U.S. manufacturers. To succeed in this market, Vietnamese businesses must prioritize product quality, environmentally friendly production methods, and the use of eco-friendly materials.

In the future, the goal of both nations is to expand their agricultural cooperation and foster cordial relations. This cooperation not only benefits consumers and the economies of Vietnam and the United States but also contributes to the comprehensive cooperative relationship between the two countries. The United States and Vietnam have entered a new phase in their partnership, and the agricultural sector will continue to play a vital role in fostering this relationship.

In 2022, the agricultural sector achieved a record export turnover of 53,2 billion US dollars. United States importers purchased nearly 14 billion USD worth of agricultural, forestry, and aquatic products from Vietnam, representing 25% of Vietnam's total agricultural export value. This makes the United States the leading import market for Vietnamese agricultural products.

Vietnam's total export turnover of agricultural products has reached approximately 33.21 billion USD since the beginning of 2023. China, the United States, and Japan remain Vietnam's three largest agricultural export markets, with the United States accounting for 20.6% of the total export value. The demand for high-quality agricultural products and fruits from the tropics, particularly fresh lychees, dragon fruit, and mangoes, is increasing, according to some experts. The United States recently authorized the importation of grapefruit, bringing the total number of fresh fruits exported to Vietnam to seven.

According to statistics from Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the United States imports the most cashew nuts, seafood, wood, and fruit from Vietnam. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) agricultural market report projects that US agricultural imports will reach 199 billion USD in 2023, an increase of 5 billion USD from the previous year's actual level. This presents an opportunity for Vietnamese exporters of agricultural, forestry, and fishery goods to increase exports to this market.

Phuong Vu