Agriculture to grow 2.8% in 2017

Vietnam’s agriculture sector targets growth of 2.5 to 2.8 per cent next year, production value growth of 3 to 3.2 per cent, and total export turnover of $32.5 billion.

According to Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Xuan Cuong, 2017 is a pivotal year in the 2016-2020 development plan in the context of the sector still battling many difficulties.

“The sector continues to implement the overall objective of building agriculture into a modern and sustainable sector,” Minister Cuong said, adding that safe agricultural products are a priority in 2017.

 High-tech agriculture and safe agriculture were also mentioned by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the “Building Vietnam’s Agriculture and Industry” conference held this month. “Organic agriculture, clean agriculture, and high-tech agriculture, together with information technology and tourism, are three strengths for Vietnam as the fourth global industrial revolution approaches,” he said.

Recognizing that clean agriculture will develop strongly in Vietnam in the future, many large enterprises not in the field of agriculture are promoting investments in the sector.

Mr. Tran Ba Duong, Chairman of Truong Hai Auto, one of the largest private Vietnamese enterprises, recently announced investment in clean rice using high technology.

Dutch group De Heus signed a contract worth $50 million with local company the Hung Nhon JSC in southern Binh Phuoc and Dong Nai provinces to build a food safety valley to provide clean pork, chicken, eggs, and fruit and vegetables to the market.

Exports of agriculture, forestry and fishery products in 2016 reached $32.1 billion, an increase of 6 per cent year-on-year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD).

Seafood, coffee, rubber, pepper, cashew nuts, vegetables, and wood and wooden products all saw export value exceed $1 billion. Coffee increased 25.5 per cent, cashew nuts 18.3 per cent, pepper 12.7 per cent, and rubber 10.6 per cent. 

Wood and wooden product exports, meanwhile, increased by a mere 1 per cent, to $7.3 billion this year. Rice exports saw a downturn, with 1.62 million tons in volume and $600 million in value. 

This was the first time fruit and vegetable export turnover exceeded crude oil, which has been the country’s strategic export item for many years. According to the General Department of Vietnam Customs, exports of fruit and vegetables stood at $2.3 to $2.4 billion, with fruit accounting for nearly 74 per cent.

Export growth was also recorded in difficult markets such as Japan, the US, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Australia, and South Korea.

Though not standing out, seafood still proved to be a key export item, with export value of $7 billion, up 6.9 per cent year-on-year. The US, Japan, China and South Korea were the four leading importers of Vietnamese seafood, accounting for 54.1 per cent of total export value.

VET

Other News

Private economic sector poised for breakthrough growth

Private economic sector poised for breakthrough growth

More than a year after the Politburo's Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW on private sector development came into effect, expectations now extend beyond increasing the number of enterprises. The goal is to build a stronger business community with greater resilience, larger ambitions and the capacity to compete in global supply chains.

Vietnam remains ASEAN growth leader in 2026 despite global headwinds: WB

Vietnam remains ASEAN growth leader in 2026 despite global headwinds: WB

Vietnam is expected to remain one of ASEAN’s fastest-growing economies in 2026, supported by resilient exports, strong investment inflows and an ambitious reform agenda, despite mounting global uncertainties, according to the World Bank’s latest Vietnam Economic Update released on May 15.

Ministry establishes monitoring framework for carbon market

Ministry establishes monitoring framework for carbon market

Under a new circular, the exchange of greenhouse gas emission quotas and carbon credits is conducted on the domestic carbon credit exchange through the carbon trading system, which is interconnected with the national registration system.

Biofuel ready for nationwide rollout

Biofuel ready for nationwide rollout

For biofuels, particularly E10, to develop successfully, stronger and more coordinated policies are needed, especially pricing mechanisms capable of creating a sufficiently attractive gap between E10 and mineral-based petrol, an expert has said.

Vietnamese farm produce promoted at African investment, trade forum

Vietnamese farm produce promoted at African investment, trade forum

The 12th Africa Forum for Investment & Commerce (AFIC 12) opened in Algiers, the capital of Algeria, on May 9, drawing around 2,000 participants, including officials, economists, businesses, financial and development organizagtions from 43 African countries and international partners, including Vietnam.

Int'l medical, pharmaceutical expo opens in Hanoi

Int'l medical, pharmaceutical expo opens in Hanoi

The exhibition, which runs until May 9 at the Hanoi International Centre for Exhibition, showcases advanced products and technologies across a range of fields, including pharmaceuticals, drug manufacturing machinery and equipment, medical devices, hospital and clinic services and dental equipment.

Mega projects to transform Ho Chi Minh City urban landscape

Mega projects to transform Ho Chi Minh City urban landscape

Leading the charge in this massive building spree is the new central city square in the core of the Thu Thiem new urban area. Spanning more than 20 ha, it’s the crown jewel of the Central Square and new administrative center complex.

Vietnam establishes itself as one of region’s most dynamic manufacturing and supply bases

Vietnam establishes itself as one of region’s most dynamic manufacturing and supply bases

The country’s stable political and economic environment provides a critical foundation for long-term sourcing strategies. At the same time, Vietnam has demonstrated a strong ability to scale up manufacturing, supported by a continuously expanding industrial base capable of meeting both high-volume demand and increasingly complex technical and quality requirements.

Vietnamese pomelos gain broader access to Australian market

Vietnamese pomelos gain broader access to Australian market

The update by Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to its Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON) on April 10, officially setting out import conditions for Vietnamese pomelos, is regarded as a major milestone in market access efforts.

Vietnam's industry spearheads transition to circular economy

Vietnam's industry spearheads transition to circular economy

The circular economy is no longer just a policy choice. It has become an inevitable trend for delivering sustainable and green growth, sharpening competitiveness at home and abroad, and meeting Vietnam’s net-zero emissions target by 2050. It is now a prerequisite to sustain long-term economic expansion, particularly in industrial production and supporting industries.

Nearly 100 tonnes of Vietnamese fruits, vegetables airlifted to UAE

Nearly 100 tonnes of Vietnamese fruits, vegetables airlifted to UAE

Vietnamese fresh produce and processed foods are increasingly recognised for their quality, with items such as cashew nuts, coffee and spices gaining popularity among Middle East consumers. In 2025, Vietnam’s farm produce exports to the UAE exceeded 445 million USD, up nearly 24% year-on-year.