PM Chinh Calls for Digital and Green Transformation in Agriculture Sector
Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized the imperative for the agriculture and rural development sector to prioritize innovation, accelerate digital and green transformation, and champion the development of a circular economy, knowledge economy, and sharing economy.
This directive is aimed at realizing the overarching objectives of ecological agriculture, modern rural areas, and cultivating a community of civilized farmers. Speaking at a conference organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) on January 3, where the sector’s performance in 2023 was evaluated, and tasks for 2024 were outlined, the Prime Minister commended the agriculture sector for its adept handling of challenges. The sector achieved notable milestones, including setting unprecedented records in the export of vegetables, fruits, and rice, thereby reinforcing its increasingly pivotal role and position in the broader economic landscape.
Chinh urged the agriculture and rural development sector to set ambitious targets for 2024, aiming for a growth rate between 3.5% and 4%, with a minimum export revenue of $55 billion for agro-fishery-forestry products. Emphasizing the need for restructuring agricultural production, he directed the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) to focus on key product groups, fields, and regions, while aligning with suitable and effective production models linked to digital transformation and the digital economy.
The PM stressed the importance of removing the European Commission’s “yellow card” against Vietnamese seafood exports promptly. He emphasized the necessity for localities to plan livelihoods for fishermen, coupled with legal education, underscoring their responsibilities to the nation and the international community.
The conference highlighted localities’ agricultural production orientations for 2024, emphasizing the definition of pillar industries, reorganization of specialized production areas, and the establishment of large raw material zones to attract business investment, all while prioritizing environmentally conscious production. The agricultural sector’s notable achievements in 2023 were presented, including a GDP growth rate of 3.83%, contributing significantly to the national economy’s 5.05% growth. Exports surpassed $53 billion, yielding a record trade surplus of $12.07 billion.
Progress in building new-style rural areas was evident, with numerous communes and localities meeting the established standards. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien affirmed the sector’s commitment to transitioning from agricultural production to an agricultural economy, fostering multi-sector cooperation and development, and advancing from farm produce supply chains to comprehensive commodity chains.
The sector set a target for 2024 to expand GDP growth by 3-5%, aiming to earn $54-55 billion from exporting agro-forestry-aquatic products.
