In 2024, Vietnam's agricultural sector demonstrated a remarkable spirit of "turning nothing into something, turning challenges into opportunities, and making the impossible possible." For 2025, the Prime Minister has called for further acceleration and breakthroughs, with the ambitious goal of achieving $70 billion in export revenue.

The agricultural sector: Overcoming challenges with innovation

During the conference reviewing the agricultural sector's performance in 2024 and outlining plans for 2025, held on December 27, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh commended the sector for its substantial contributions to Vietnam’s overall achievements.

He noted that despite numerous difficulties, including market disruptions, natural disasters, and floods, the sector demonstrated resilience and adaptability. It embraced technological innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable practices to address climate change and advance green, circular, and shared economies.

Highlighting key accomplishments, the Prime Minister praised the sector for swift recovery efforts following Typhoon No. 3 and for asserting Vietnam’s standing in global markets.

However, he pointed out several persistent shortcomings, including underutilization of the sector’s full potential, challenges in removing the European Commission's "yellow card" on seafood exports, and delays in developing comprehensive strategies and policies for sustainable growth.

Ambitious goals for 2025

The Prime Minister emphasized that 2025, the final year of the 2021–2025 term, is crucial for Vietnam to achieve its targets.

He set ambitious objectives for the agricultural sector: a GDP growth rate of 3.5–4% and $70 billion in export revenue for agricultural, forestry, and fisheries products.

Key directives included strengthening planning and policy frameworks, focusing on branding Vietnam’s agricultural products like coffee, pepper, and cashews, and enhancing product quality through geographical indications, innovative designs, and marketing strategies.

Additionally, the sector must prioritize sustainable practices, such as reducing emissions, modernizing production, and improving value chains. Efforts will focus on transitioning from fragmented, small-scale production to a more organized, high-tech agricultural model.

The Prime Minister also directed the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to submit two strategic plans in the first quarter of 2025 to address climate change, subsidence, and landslides in the Mekong Delta and the northern mountainous regions.

Transforming agriculture for a sustainable future

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan affirmed the sector’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.

With the theme “Flexible adaptation – Unlocking resources – Accelerating breakthroughs,” 2025 aims to address both opportunities and challenges, embracing a new chapter for Vietnamese agriculture.

The Minister emphasized that green and sustainable practices are no longer future aspirations but present realities. Consumers now demand products that are not only high-quality and cost-effective but also environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and reflective of Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage.

In 2024, the agricultural sector recorded a GDP growth rate of 3.3%, exceeding the government’s target. Exports of agricultural, forestry, and fisheries products reached $62.5 billion, with a trade surplus of $17.9 billion, accounting for 72% of Vietnam’s overall trade surplus.

With strong foundations and clear strategic goals, the agricultural sector is poised to drive Vietnam toward prosperity, sustainability, and global prominence.

Tam An