Opening the market is the primary focus of the agricultural sector

In May 2023, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development focused on directing several key tasks including: develop plant varieties; direct the care of 2022-2023 winter-spring rice crop in northern provinces; harvest the 2022-2023 winter-spring crop and sow the summer-autumn crop in southern provinces; conduct inspection of IUU activities; build disease-free breeding areas; conduct field inspection on several public investment projects in the South Central region; implement measures to mitigate the damage from heat, drought, water shortage, saltwater intrusion; prepare for the agricultural trade promotion with Yunnan and Guangxi provinces in China.

With the support of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the agricultural sector have achieved various positive results. Namely, in the field of crop production, the total area of rice harvested  nationwide was estimated at 2.5 million hectares by mid-May. Accordingly, the output per harvested area is estimated at more than 17.4 million tons, which is an increase of 0.7% over the same period in 2022.

In the forestry sector, the newly planted, concentrated forest area was estimated at 85,000 hectares in the first 5 months of the year, which is an increase of 0.8% over the same period in 2022. Approximately 310,000 hectares of planted forest area was placed under care; over 7.7 million hectares of forest area was contracted for protection. Output of timber production is estimated at 6.5 million cubic meter. In addition, over 3,600 cases of violations of the law on forestry were found, and more than 2,800 of which were promptly handled.

In the fisheries sector, the total fishery production is estimated at 3.4 million tons, which is an increase of 1.4% over the same period in 2022. The output of caught fishery is estimated at 1.5 million tons, accounting for 46% of the total fishery output.

Regarding the export and import of agro-forestry-fishery products, the total export value of agro-forestry-fishery products in the first 5 months of the year reached 20.26 billion USD, which is a decrease of 11.1% over the same period in 2022. China, the United States and Japan were the three largest export markets for Vietnam's agro-forestry-fishery products. Export turnover to China accounted for 20.4%, which is an increase of 2.9% over the same period in 2022; export turnover to the United States accounted for 19.8% and export turnover to Japan accounted for 7.8%.

According to the Department of Plant Protection, the negotiation to open the export market of agricultural products and fruits to the China is progressing smoothly. The Department of Plant Protection has continuously followed the requirements of the Chinese government so that businesses can actively develop a plan for future export activities to China.

According to the Department of Animal Health, 34 swiftlet busineesses with 2,977 farming houses have registered to export swiftlet. Most notably, 10 businesses have successfully registered through the one-stop customs system, and 2 businesses have been approved by the Department of Animal Health to send their profiles to China. The UK and Korean markets have agreed to allow exports of Vietnamese processed chickens after thorough inspection and assessment.

Regarding the imports, the total imported meat output reached 456,000 tons in 2022, accounting for 0.7% of the total domestic meat production. Vietnam has imported 123,000 tons of meat since the beginning of the year.

Minister Le Minh Hoan emphasized: Vietnam's agricultural sector is thriving amidst the global economic crisis. Statistics have seen a substantial increase across all fields within the agricultural sector. This will encourage the entire sector to maintain momentum throughout the remainder of the year and fulfill set targets.

According to the Minister, opening market is the primary focus of the agricultural sector in the immediate future. Consequently, various units under the Ministry must adopt a new working style that prioritizes quick information transmission.

In addition, the head of each unit must actively participate in the formulation of strategies, orientations and projects, and make timely adjustments when necessary in order to save time and cost while keeping up with the constant changes of the market.

Minister Le Minh Hoan recommended relevant units to quickly complete their respective contents under the digital transformation project, and the science and technology development strategy.

The Department of Crop Production has been assigned to compile opinions from seed companies, Subsequently, the Department must make appropriate improvements to encourage these companies research, select, breed and produce new varieties that meet urgent production needs.