32 countries participated in the ILDEX Vietnam

The livestock sector contributes over 26% to the agricultural GDP

The 9th International Exhibition on Livestock, Dairy, Meat Processing, and Aquaculture (ILDEX Vietnam) with the theme "Clean Livestock Farming - Green Agriculture - Sustainable Benefits" officially opened at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center on May 29. The event runs until May 31.

In his opening speech at the exhibition, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien stated that in 2023, despite the world facing difficulties and challenges, Vietnam's agricultural sector not only maintained growth but also achieved the highest growth rate in recent years.

Compared to 2022, the overall agricultural GDP growth rate in 2023 reached 3.83%. Specifically, the livestock sector grew by 5.72% and contributed over 26% to the agricultural GDP.

The total meat production reached 7.79 million tons, fresh milk production reached 1.17 million tons, and egg production reached 19.2 billion units. Vietnam's pig farming remains fifth globally in terms of herd size and sixth in production, while poultry farming ranks top in the world, with waterfowl ranking second globally. Industrial aquaculture production leads the ASEAN region.

In the fisheries sector, production reached 9.3 million tons in 2023, a 2.3% increase compared to the previous year.

Regarding the dairy industry, there has been consistent double-digit growth in milk production. Although Vietnam's dairy industry has risen to the 11th position in Asia and the 4th position in ASEAN in terms of milk production, domestic production still does not fully meet demand, leading to significant annual imports of milk and dairy products. In 2023 alone, Vietnam spent $ 1.17 billion on importing milk and dairy products.

According to Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien, these achievements are attributed to the open-door policies and efforts to attract both domestic and foreign investment, which have facilitated Vietnam's rapid access to technology, techniques, and management from developed countries.

Alongside the industry's unified approach from perception to action, organizations have vigorously transitioned from a "production mindset" to an "agricultural economic mindset" and from single-sector development to cooperation and multi-sectoral development. There has been a drive to promote the integration of multiple values in agricultural, forestry, and aquatic products, transitioning from supply chains to developing industry chains in line with the spirit of the "Three Agriculture" Resolution and the Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development Strategy.

According to Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien, for the livestock industry to achieve sustainable development and higher economic efficiency, there is a need to focus resolutely on addressing three core issues. Firstly, there must be a determined effort to tackle imports and smuggling so that farmers and businesses can continue to expand their scale and improve their technology. Secondly, a thorough review of imports is necessary. Thirdly, efforts should be concentrated on promoting exports, especially of processed products, and livestock, and building disease-free zones.

In addition, international integration in the field of livestock and aquaculture is an important factor contributing to enhancing productivity, quality, efficiency, and credibility of the livestock and aquaculture sectors.

Therefore, creating a favourable environment to encourage investment, research, development, and technology transfer in the livestock and aquaculture sectors is essential.

To achieve this goal, according to Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien, close cooperation among relevant parties, including state management agencies, enterprises, research institutes, farmers, and the international community, is crucial.

Updating progress in advanced scientific and technological advancements in the livestock, aquaculture, and dairy industries

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien evaluates ILDEX Vietnam as an opportunity for state management agencies, training institutions, research and technology organizations, associations, enterprises, and experts to come into contact, learn, update, and apply the world's advanced scientific and technological advancements; exchange views, discuss the current situation, advantages, difficulties, orientations, and development solutions for the livestock and aquaculture industries.

Mr. Igor Palka, CEO of VNU Asia Pacific, stated that ILDEX Vietnam 2024 attracted 230 exhibitors from 32 countries. Among them, 85% of the exhibition area consists of international brands from France, the United States, the EU, the Netherlands, Turkey, Brazil, China, and South Korea.

According to Ms Wiraka Moodhitaporn, Consul General of Thailand in Ho Chi Minh City, for Thailand, food and agriculture are one of the 8 target industries to make Thailand a global industrial hub. Meanwhile, Vietnam is a key player in the global livestock market, ranking 1st in ASEAN and 6th in the world in pork production, with a total output of over 2.7 million tons in 2023.

"This is a great opportunity to combine the strengths of Thailand and Vietnam in agriculture and food, in line with the 'Three Connects' strategy proposed by Thailand to strengthen the local economies of both countries through cooperation and collaboration," Ms Wiraka Moodhitaporn said.

Within the sidelines of the exhibition, there are also 15 specialized seminar sessions with over 2,000 registered participants aimed at connecting domestic managers and businesses with international partners for cooperation. They will exchange ideas on livestock management, nutrition, feed, disease prevention and treatment, introduce new technical advancements, access comprehensive solutions for safe and sustainable livestock farming, and share experiences in ensuring animal welfare.