Vietstock 2023 is a special event for the livestock and aquaculture sectors

During the press conference for "Vietstock - Vietnam's Leading Livestock, Animal Feed, Aquaculture, and Meat Processing Exhibition" on the morning of September 26 in Hanoi, Mr. Duong Tat Thang, Director of the Department of Livestock Production, stated that livestock is currently the spearhead of Vietnam's agricultural sector, representing one-fourth of the sector's total value and contributing 27% to the overall GDP in the first half of 2023.

According to Mr. Thang, Vietnam has shifted from food scarcity to high quality and clean food production. As Vietnam deeply integrates into the global economy, the livestock sector has proactively undergone significant transformations to adapt to modern changes.

The livestock sector achieved impressive results in 2022, showcasing dynamic development and generating profits exceeding 21 billion USD, which is equivalent to a growth rate of 5 to 6% compared to that of 2021. Additionally, the livestock sector has made remarkable progress with the help of open policies and a conducive investment environment, which has successfully attracted multiple national and foreign businesses.

"Both foreign and domestic businesses have provided advanced technologies and management expertise. The institutional framework for the livestock sector, and agriculture as a whole, has witnessed encouraging developments. The Law on Livestock, effective since 2020, is a substantial legal framework that aligns with international economic integration trend," emphasized Mr. Thang.

On the other hand, Mr. Duong Tat Thang believes that the Vietnamese livestock sector also faces numerous challenges and difficulties. In his capacity as the head of the department, Mr. Thang emphasizes the crucial role of linkage and communication in the sector's development, as the market will ultimately determine production.

"We are encouraging value chain integration and the application of technology in the development of the livestock sector. Priority is given to large-scale production with a focus on biosecurity and disease safety," Mr. Thang shares his direction.

Under the theme "Enhancing Sustainable Livestock Farming, Improving Food Security, and Ensuring Biosecurity," Mr. Thang assesses that the 11th Vietstock Exhibition in 2023 offers significant opportunities for businesses, cooperatives, livestock and farmers in the fields of livestock breeds, animal feed, farming facilities, and veterinary medicines.

"Vietstock 2023 will be hosted and supported by the Vietnam Agriculture Newspaper and the Department of Livestock Production as the main organizers and media sponsors. This year's exhibition holds great significance for the livestock sector," added Director Duong Tat Thang.

According to Ms. Rungphech Chitanuwat, Regional Portfolio Director – ASEAN, Infoma Markets Group, Vietstock 2023 is a special occasion which marks the official transition of Vietstock into an annual exhibition.

Vietstock 2023 is held simultaneously with Aquaculture Vietnam 2023, making it a comprehensive destination for the livestock, animal feed, aquaculture, and meat processing sectors.

Vietstock 2023, with the participation of over 350 exhibitors, is expected to attract more than 11,000 sector-specific visitors from over 30 countries and territories.

"Vietnam is similar to Thailand, my homeland, as both are agricultural nations that need to combine technology and science for sustainable development. With this philosophy in mind, we have set the goal of this year's exhibition to focus on the concept of food safety and food security, so that Vietnamese consumers have the opportunity to buy safe products domestically rather than relying on imports," shared Ms. Rungphech Chitanuwat.

In addition, within the framework of the Vietstock 2023 Exhibition, the Vietstock Awards 2023 will be chaired by the Department of Livestock Production.

Regarding the new features of Vietstock 2023, Ms. Rungphech Chitanuwat stated that the exhibition offers various activities that act as a bridge for the Vietnamese livestock sector with the region. These activities include the egg exhibition area, sustainable development exhibition area, and technology and product introduction area, among others.

Furthermore, Vietstock 2023 will host specialized scientific workshops on topics such as aquaculture, poultry and livestock farming, dairy farming, meat production, renewable energy from livestock waste, animal nutrition, animal welfare, and roundtable conferences with the participation of livestock associations in the ASEAN bloc.

"At this year's event, the organizers will collaborate with the Promotion Center, and local Departments of Fisheries, and provide transportation support for livestock households in remote areas to attend the exhibition. Vietstock will also provide transportation for farmers from Cambodia to participate," added Ms. Rungphech Chitanuwat.

Vietstock 2023 offers a diverse range of forums, conferences, and workshops with specialized topics including: Aquaculture; Poultry and Livestock Farming; Dairy Farming and Meat Production; Renewable Energy from Livestock Waste; Animal Nutrition; and Animal Welfare.

Notably, the Roundtable Conference of ASEAN Livestock Associations is expected to attract numerous experts, scientists, and major businesses in the livestock sector from various countries in the region.

This series of forums, conferences, and workshops will be held throughout the 3-day exhibition.

Regarding the Vietstock Awards 2023, Dr. Vo Trong Thanh from the Department of Livestock Production highlighted that the organizing committee will present 18 awards in the field of livestock production and 7 awards in the field of aquaculture during the Gala Dinner on the evening of October 11.

Accordingly, the 18 awards in the livestock production category will include 5 awards for animal feed production; 3 awards for animal breeding; 6 awards for livestock farms and cooperatives; 2 value chain awards for livestock production, slaughtering/processing/preservation, consumption, and export; and 2 awards for significant contributions to the livestock sector.

The 7 awards in the aquaculture category will include Best Aquatic Seed Producer; Best Aquatic Animal Feed Producer; Best Environmental Aquatic Product Manufacturer; Most Efficient Aquaculture Cooperative; Best Aquatic Animal Farming Equipment Manufacturer; and Best Aquatic Product Processor.

Vietstock 2023 is organized by Informa Markets in collaboration with the Department of Livestock Production under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The Vietnam Agriculture Newspaper is the official media sponsor for the event.