Vietnam's agriculture sector and the goal of achieving $54 billion in agricultural exports

DNHN - The Vietnamese agriculture sector has made significant progress in recent years, and currently, the goal is to boost agricultural exports to reach $54 billion.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in the first six months of 2024, the trade surplus of the agriculture sector reached approximately $8.28 billion, a 62.4% increase compared to the same period in 2023. At the same time, the GDP growth of the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sector reached 3.34%, contributing 5.36% to the total added value growth of the economy. These achievements are not only a solid foundation but also a crucial motivation for driving the agriculture sector's breakthrough in the second half of 2024.

With a positive outlook for 2024, Vietnam's agricultural, forestry, and fishery export turnover is projected to reach between $54 and $55 billion. Currently, there are seven products and product groups surpassing the $1 billion mark in export value, including coffee, rubber, rice, fruits and vegetables, cashew nuts, shrimp, wood and wood products.

Among them, rice and cashew nuts have shown growth in both volume and value compared to the same period in 2023. Specifically, rice exports reached 4.68 million tons (up 10.4%), valued at $2.98 billion (up 32%); cashew nuts reached 350,000 tons (up 24.9%), valued at $1.92 billion (up 17.4%). For coffee, despite a 10.5% decrease in volume, the average export price increased by 50.4%, resulting in an export value of $3.22 billion, up 34.6%.

In recent years, Vietnam's agriculture sector has made significant progress and achieved important milestones. Agricultural output has increased significantly, meeting domestic demand and providing a large supply for the export market. This progress is driven by the adoption of advanced technologies, the development of high-quality crop varieties, and the efficient use of fertilizers and pesticides.

Additionally, the productivity and quality of agricultural products have been significantly improved thanks to these innovations. The agricultural infrastructure system has also been upgraded, enhancing the capacity for transportation and preservation of agricultural products. These achievements not only serve as a strong motivation for the sustainable development of Vietnam's agriculture sector but also contribute positively to the national economy.

Vietnam possesses an advantage in the diversity of agricultural products, from staple items like rice, coffee, cashew nuts, and rubber to various fruits and vegetables, seafood, and industrially processed agricultural products. The quality of Vietnamese agricultural products is increasingly recognized by international markets, thanks to compliance with high standards of food safety and environmental sustainability.

Notably, Vietnam has signed numerous free trade agreements with other countries and regions around the world, opening up opportunities for exporting agricultural products to major markets such as Europe, the United States, Japan, South Korea, and China. These efforts not only help boost the agricultural economy but also contribute to improving the livelihoods of rural people and promoting sustainable development for Vietnam's agriculture sector.

To enhance the productivity and quality of agricultural products, we need to continue promoting research and the application of advanced technologies in agriculture. Increasing the use of organic and microbial fertilizers, and implementing clean and safe production processes are essential steps to ensure productivity and product quality.

Building the brand of Vietnamese agricultural products is also a crucial priority. Investing in brand promotion through activities such as exhibitions, trade fairs, and media campaigns will help elevate the value and reputation of Vietnamese agricultural products in the international market.

To achieve this, strengthening cooperation and information sharing is extremely important. Enhancing links with agricultural associations, export enterprises, and relevant agencies to share market information, export regulations, and new business opportunities will help optimize export potential.

Simultaneously, investing in transportation infrastructure and technology is necessary to improve the preservation and processing systems for agricultural products. This ensures that products maintain high quality when reaching international markets.

Finally, training and improving human resource capacity is a decisive factor. Investing in training farmers, agricultural experts, and related personnel, enhancing knowledge in agricultural management, quality standards, and exports will help Vietnam's agriculture sector develop sustainably and compete in the international market.

With the potential and efforts of Vietnam's agriculture sector, the goal of achieving $54 billion in agricultural exports is entirely feasible. This not only brings strong economic development opportunities for Vietnam but also contributes to improving the livelihoods of rural people, creating jobs, and attracting investment into the agriculture sector.

Nghe Nhan