Green growth is an inevitable requirement of life

These three pillars of the economy are "mountains, seas, and lands"

A trend that is inevitable in the context of the complicated situation of climate change is green growth. In your opinion, Sir, what are the recent green growth outcomes of the agriculture sector and its future positioning?

Climate change has resulted in negative effects on people's lives and has emerged as one of the most demanding and significant global challenges. The primary cause is the emission of greenhouse gases. As a consequence, it is inevitable that all countries must develop green economies and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to safeguard the Earth, our shared home.

Vietnam generates an average of 3.4 tons of carbon dioxide per capita annually, which is considerably lower than the global average of 4.6 tons and the highest-emitting nation, which emits 16.7 tons. In terms of greenhouse gas emissions, agriculture is the third most significant sector, following energy and transportation. In addition to facilitating sustainable agricultural development, the implementation of green growth strategies is essential for the attainment of national national emission reduction objectives.

Vietnam's geography, which can be reduced as "mountains, seas, farmland," serves as the foundation for three critical agricultural economic pillars: traditional land-based farming, marine economy, and forestry. Forests provide economic and environmental benefits, prevent erosion, and play a critical role in carbon sequestration. The national forest coverage rate of Vietnam is 42.02%, which is one of the highest in the region, and the forest area now spans 14.8 million hectares as a result of extensive reforestation efforts.

Sustainable forestry management was fortified by the 2017 Forestry Law and the 2019 VPA-FLEGT agreement with the EU. The forest environmental service fund has generated 30,000 billion VND since 2011, with an annual allocation of 3,200 billion VND for conservation efforts. Vietnam currently extracts 23 million cubic meters of plantation timber annually, which generates USD 16.6 billion in wood product exports and creates employment opportunities for millions, particularly in remote regions.

The littoral of Vietnam is 3,200 km in length, with 28 of the 63 provinces having direct access to the sea and an exclusive economic zone of approximately 1 million square kilometers. Through the years, the nation has evolved from an unregulated marine exploitation system, which once resulted in the depletion of nearshore fish stocks by more than 110,000 vessels, to a more sustainable fisheries industry.

The 2017 Law on Fisheries ensured that regulations were consistent with international sustainability standards, with a particular emphasis on the EU's stringent IUU fishing measures. These policies have resulted in the reduction of the fishing fleet to 80,000 vessels, the transition to offshore fishing, and the implementation of environmentally favorable techniques. Per recent assessments, marine resources are estimated to be over 4 million tons, with sustainable extraction restricted to 3.5 million tons per year. Additionally, Vietnam has experienced an increase in aquaculture production, which encompasses both seafood and non-seafood species such as seaweed and algae. This expansion has contributed to the country's goal of producing 10 million tons of seafood and exporting USD 10.2 billion by 2024, thereby creating employment opportunities for millions.

The primary focus of green economic growth in land-based agriculture is on sectors that generate significant emissions, particularly rice production, which has served as the pillar of Vietnam's agricultural industry. At its height, rice cultivation encompassed 4.5 million hectares, producing 44 million tons of rice annually.

However, it was a resource-intensive endeavor that resulted in high levels of greenhouse gas emissions and low economic returns. In response, Vietnam has decreased the area of rice farming to under 4 million hectares, with the intention of further reducing it to 3.5 million hectares by 2030. Additionally, the country is implementing advanced agricultural techniques to guarantee the food security of 100 million individuals and to preserve its export capacity.

Several  locations that are affected by environmental pollution

In addition to the environmental advancements that have been made in rural areas, numerous municipalities continue to encounter significant challenges. How do you believe these issues should be resolved?

Vietnam's rural environmental initiatives have made substantial strides; however, pollution continues to be a pressing concern in numerous regions. From its start in 2010, the National Target Program for New Rural Development has revolutionized rural infrastructure, enhanced livelihoods, and stimulated economic growth. In three phases, investments have amounted to nearly 6 million billion VND, with only 10% of the investment coming from the state budget and the remaining amount from private and social contributions. With rural per capita income rising from 12.8 million VND in 2010 to 56.4 million VND in 2024, this has resulted in significant improvements in roads, economic growth, and income.

In spite of these accomplishments, environmental challenges continue to exist. The level of pollution from industrial zones, daily refuse, and agricultural chemicals remains severe. The nation generates an immense quantity of waste, with each individual producing 0.7-0.8 kg of refuse per day. However, the waste collection and treatment infrastructure remains inadequate. This poses a threat to both current and future generations, as craft villages substantially contribute to air and water pollution.

The primary method of waste disposal in rural areas is landfill disposal, which further exacerbates pollution. Rural waste collection remains minimal. Agricultural pollution is also prevalent, as pesticide and chemical fertilizer residues contaminate water and soil. In order to resolve these concerns, the agricultural sector has incorporated environmental criteria into the new rural development plan for the next five years. This encompasses the treatment of refuse in households, production, and natural environments, as well as the promotion of community responsibility and socialized waste management, as successful implemented in Hai Hau, Nam Dinh. In order to progress, rural economic growth must be in tandem with environmental enhancements.

There has been a shift in the food demand of 100 million people

Food safety continues to be a significant concern in Vietnam, despite the fact that the country's agricultural production is already large-scale, satisfying both domestic demand and exporting $62 billion. What solutions would you suggest to resolve this matter?

The agricultural sector has experienced substantial growth, which has protected the food supply of 100 million individuals and increased exports. Nevertheless, we must remain vigilant, particularly in the context of food safety and value chain production. It is imperative to establish consistent standards for both domestic and export markets as Vietnam nears upper-middle-income status, with an annual growth rate of around 6-7%. To guarantee low costs, high quality, and minimal pollution, it is imperative that we focus on the development of agriculture in harmony with nature, rather than maximizing yield at all costs. Priorities include the enhancement of processing capabilities, the improvement of distribution, the adoption of digital technology for traceability, and the increase in awareness among both producers and consumers. In the present day, consumers govern production through their purchasing power, which grants them the authority to make decisions.

What are the benefits of the recent merger of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) for environmental protection and agriculture?

Economic sectors are dependent on three fundamental components: human capital, resources, and the environment. These elements are intricately connected in agriculture. Previously, resource management was divided between the two ministries. However, their unification presents a significant opportunity by consolidating these three elements under a single framework, thereby facilitating a more comprehensive economic development plan. Establishing a unified data management system will establish a novel environment for resource allocation and strategic planning.

From an environmental standpoint, agriculture was the third-largest emitter, following energy and transportation. With this merger, a more coordinated approach will enable improved resource efficiency, technological advancement, and emissions control. While there may be initial obstacles in personnel organization and restructuring, these are minor and will be resolved in a brief period of time. For both agriculture and the environment, this integration represents a significant advancement in sustainable development.

Thank you!