Minister Do Duc Duy: Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is a great pride

On February 19, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) held a conference to implement the Scheme on the establishment of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. The conference was co-chaired by MARD Minister Le Minh Hoan, who was recently elected as Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly, and MONRE Minister Do Duc Duy, who was recently approved by the National Assembly to be appointed as Minister of Agriculture and Environment.

he conference aims to ensure that the new Ministry of Agriculture and Environment can commence operations as soon as the Scheme on its establishment and the Decree regulating its functions, tasks, authority, and organizational structure come into effect.

10 days remaining to finalize the restructuring and organizational setup

Speaking at the conference, Minister Do Duc Duy emphasized that one of the first significant achievements of the Steering Committee was the National Assembly’s approval of the establishment of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment during its session on February 18. At the same time, the National Assembly also elected and ratified key leadership positions within its agencies and the Government.

The Minister stated: “This is a great honor and source of pride for the natural resources - environment and agriculture - rural development sectors, which will now collectively be referred to as the Agriculture and Environment sector. We have just over 10 days to transition and complete all necessary steps before officially commencing operations.”

According to the National Assembly’s new resolution, the new ministry will officially begin operations on March 1, from which point the Ministers will assume their assigned responsibilities. Given the significant workload ahead, on behalf of the Steering Committee, the Minister called on all officials, civil servants, and staff from both ministries to remain highly focused in order to complete the urgent tasks at hand.

The Minister emphasized that streamlining the organizational structure is a crucial yet challenging task. This process directly affects each individual within the organization, requiring a high level of unity, consensus, and responsibility, as well as a willingness to prioritize collective interests over personal benefits.

Currently, the organizational restructuring process is in its final stage before being submitted to the Government for approval. The preparation of the draft Decree has been highly regarded by the Government Steering Committee. According to the draft, the Ministry will comprise a total of 30 units.

Minister Do Duc Duy urged all units to promptly review the matters outlined in Official Dispatch No. 08, which has been sent to the relevant departments. He requested the completion of reports to be submitted to the Personnel Organization Departments of both ministries by February 22, followed by submission to the Minister by February 25 for approval no later than February 27.

Expection on the leadership dignity

In recent years, the two ministries have prioritized the restructuring of their divisions in accordance with the approved scheme. Nevertheless, substantial efforts are still necessary to streamline the organizational structure. The Minister specified several critical orientations for the forthcoming period, as the new ministry will encompass a significant number of public service units.

"I expect that everyone involved will maintain their exemplary spirit and sense of accountability throughout the restructuring process. It is not solely an administrative adjustment to streamline the personnel structure; rather, it is a fundamental transformation of the organizational system. The importance of leaders and managers maintaining their integrity, upholding their sense of duty, and prioritizing the collective interest above all else", the head of the Agriculture and Environment sector underscored. 

Minister Do Duc Duy commended the implementation efforts, particularly the collaboration between various sectors within the two ministries. In addition, he recognized the proactive approach of unit leaders in initiating discussions and nominating critical personnel. Nevertheless, the Minister emphasized that personal preferences may be taken into account for individuals transitioning from a department chief position to a deputy role, but the process must prevent a situation in which individuals selectively choose their positions.

A multidisciplinary, multisectoral ministry has emerged from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. Consequently, it is imperative to cultivate a sense of preparedness, proactiveness, and the accumulation of experience across a variety of responsibilities, as Minister Do Duc Duy stressed.

In an effort to preserve this spirit, the Minister conveyed his optimism. The current context requires a well-structured arrangement that guarantees a balance of collective interests, despite the fact that all sector leaders are fully capable of holding top positions.

The responsibilities designated to deputy-level officials will be in accordance with their experience and expertise. In an effort to prevent a situation in which individuals selectively select their duties based on personal preference, the Ministry will also take into account individual preferences. Nevertheless, the most critical factor is a willingness to accept assignments as designated by the organization.

"As the two ministries merge and transition into a new era, we are entering a critical phase." Both ministries have consistently maintained a close relationship with the regions they oversee.  This unification will establish a strong foundation for the country's sustainable development and generate positive impacts", the Minister asserted. 

"Each official will act as an ambassador for the Agriculture and Environment sector. A clear mechanism is necessary to enable the entire sector to optimize the potential of both domains," he emphasized.

The units of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) deserve high praise for their proactive efforts, meticulous preparation, and thorough coordination over the past period, according to the head of the Agriculture and Environment sector.

The Minister urged all officials, civil servants, and public employees to make every effort to fulfill their allotted duties, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition, with only 10 days remaining until the new organizational model officially comes into operation.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment: Inheriting the legacy of the Ministry of Agronomy

The Ministry of Agronomy, which has a long-standing history of being closely associated with the development of the nation's agriculture, was the predecessor of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, according to Minister Do Duc Duy.

"During his four-year tenure as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly Le Minh Hoan provided decisive leadership, resulting in a significant change in the sector's perspective. The entire industry transitioned from an agricultural production mindset to an agricultural economy approach as a result of his vision," Minister Do Duc Duy remarked on the contributions of his predecessor.

This transformation has been a critical factor in the improvement of Vietnam's agricultural sector, as it has fostered more robust links between producers and markets. The "Farmer Knowledge Initiative" and the promotion of rural tourism development are among the numerous concepts and proposals that Minister Le Minh Hoan has institutionalized in Party and Government resolutions.

Despite the significant challenges of 2024, such as the severe impact of Typhoon Yagi and global economic and political uncertainties, the agricultural sector has achieved record-breaking milestones, thereby maintaining consistent GDP growth. In the present day, the discourse on agriculture and rural development has expanded beyond food production to include the invaluable assets of producers and local communities, as well as history and culture.

Businesses, cooperatives, and producers are more proud than ever to be associated with the agricultural sector. Although Vietnam persists in its industrialization endeavors, its agricultural products continue to serve as a source of national pride, having penetrated hundreds of international markets. Even farmers in remote and rural regions experience a sense of purpose and honor in contributing their labor and expertise to the globalization of Vietnamese agricultural products.

"Minister Le Minh Hoan has been instrumental in the sector's preservation of its legacy, as well as its global recognition and innovation. This is a source of pride and a significant responsibility for future generations of leaders, who must continue to sustain the sector's momentum and build upon the remarkable achievements of 2024," Minister Do Duc Duy emphasized.