This morning, May 8th, in Ho Chi Minh City, fulfilling the task assigned by the Government, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in coordination with the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Finance, the State Bank of Vietnam, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), and local authorities and industry associations, organized the "Conference to Promote Exports of Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Products , Striving to Achieve Export Growth Targets in 2026".

Attending the conference were Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung, Minister of Agriculture and Environment Trinh Viet Hung and Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Vo Van Hung, along with leaders of relevant ministries and sectors, and leaders of several southern provinces and cities...

The conference focused on assessing the difficulties and obstacles in the production, processing, logistics, and export of agricultural, forestry, and aquatic products; and agreed on solutions to overcome these challenges, seize market opportunities, enhance competitiveness, and promote export growth in the coming period.

The conference identified several key tasks for the coming period as follows:

Firstly, strengthen forecasting and closely monitor market developments, international trade, natural disasters, climate change, and other factors impacting the agricultural, forestry, and fisheries supply chain; promptly advise the Government on flexible and effective management solutions to minimize the risk of supply chain disruptions and agricultural product congestion.

Secondly, continue restructuring the agricultural sector towards green, circular, and sustainable development; promote the development of concentrated raw material areas, deep processing, and traceability; ensure food quality and safety, and meet the increasingly high demands of import markets.

Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung (center), Minister of Agriculture and Environment Trinh Viet Hung (far left) and Deputy Minister Vo Van Hung chaired the conference. Photo: NT.

Thirdly, review and improve mechanisms and policies to support businesses; simplify administrative procedures; strengthen decentralization and delegation of authority coupled with inspection and supervision; and promote digital transformation in industry management and agricultural trade activities.

Fourth, we propose that the State Bank of Vietnam and credit institutions effectively implement credit policies serving agricultural and rural development; create favorable conditions for people, cooperatives, and businesses to access capital for production, procurement, processing, and export of agricultural, forestry, and aquatic products. At the same time, we suggest researching appropriate solutions to reduce lending interest rates; prioritizing credit limits for the production, processing, and export of agricultural, forestry, and aquatic products, especially during peak harvest seasons and when the market faces difficulties.

Fifth, effectively implement trade promotion and market development programs; make the most of free trade agreements (FTAs); and promote market opening for key products and items with high growth potential.

Sixth, effectively leverage the role of the Trade Offices, Commercial Attachés, and Agricultural Attachés in connecting markets, providing information, early warning of risks, and supporting businesses in expanding export markets.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment requests that localities, industry associations, and the business community continue to promote a proactive, responsible, and united spirit; improve product quality, build brands, and develop transparent and sustainable production and business; work together with the Government and ministries in resolving difficulties related to markets, credit, and production costs; promote the export of agricultural, forestry, and aquatic products; and contribute to achieving the growth targets of the agricultural sector and the national economy.