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| Rice is a key agricultural export__Photo: VNA |
The agriculture and environment sector has set an agro-forestry-aquatic export target of USD 73-74 billion for 2026, requiring the sector to remain steadfast in its strategy of market opening and boosting export efficiency, according to Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung Duc Tien.
Speaking at the ministry’s regular press briefing on January 6, Tien said 2026 is forecast to pose even greater challenges than 2025. However, the sector has more than 40 years of Doi moi (renewal) experience, while recent agricultural restructuring has created a solid foundation for growth.
The sector is now better aligned with international markets and has steadily diversified export destinations. Alongside traditional partners, exports to Europe and Africa have recorded strong growth. These are seen as promising markets in addition to Asian destinations and niche segments, while the Middle East also offers considerable potential.
Although the US has imposed countervailing duties, restructuring of production, proactive trade promotion by businesses, and more methodical organization of raw-material areas provide a firm basis for the sector to strive for export earnings of USD 73-74 billion in 2026, the Deputy Minister said.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment warned that by 2026, challenges will grow due to climate change, dwindling resources, pollution, and the loss of biodiversity, all of which pose serious threats to food security and people’s livelihoods. As management requirements become broader, the implementation of international commitments on emissions reduction, green growth, nature conservation and low-emission agriculture will place significant pressure on resources and governance capacity.
In response, the ministry will strengthen resource management, environmental protection and climate resilience, while optimizing the value of land, water, forests and biodiversity to support sustainable agriculture and socio-economic development.
To enhance value, the ministry will deploy solutions across the entire chain - from raw-material zones and standards to processing, logistics and markets. Raw-material areas will be standardized in line with market demand, with expanded planting and farming area codes, tighter control of inputs, food safety and traceability, and production aligned with Good Agriculture Practices (GAP), organic and sustainability standards.
The sector will also step up deep processing and product diversification, prioritizing investment in processing, preservation and packaging technologies, while making fuller use of by-products to create new value chains.
Logistics costs will be reduced through investment in cold storage, cold-chain systems and regional logistics centers, together with streamlined transport and digital customs procedures. At the same time, market-access capacity and national branding will be strengthened through trade negotiations, technical-barrier management, market forecasting and development of product brands and geographical indications.
Green transition will also be a priority to tap into higher-value market segments by cutting carbon footprints, earning sustainability certifications, and adopting circular, low-emission production models.
Despite global uncertainty in 2025, the sector fulfilled and exceeded all nine targets assigned by the Government. Overall growth reached 3.78 percent, while agro-forestry-fishery export turnover totaled USD 70.09 billion, up 12 percent year-on-year, with social and environmental indicators also improving.- (VNA/VLLF)
