According to businesses, in order to enhance export capacity, Vietnam needs to develop a “super raw material zone” for rice.
On August 12, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment organized the Conference on Promoting Agro-Forestry-Fishery Exports 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City, with the participation of ministry leaders, associations, and enterprises.
At the event, Mr. Bùi Bá Bổng, Chairman of the Vietnam Rice Industry Association (VIETRISA), stated that the “super raw material zone” program – one million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice in the Mekong Delta – has been effectively implemented, aiming for the brand “Green Vietnam Rice – Low Emissions.”
The first shipment under this brand has already been exported to Japan. He emphasized that to build a sustainable raw material area, it requires the joint participation of farmers, cooperatives, and local authorities, as enterprises alone find it difficult to establish production zones.
According to Mr. Đỗ Hà Nam, Chairman of the Vietnam Food Association, in the first seven months of the year, rice exports reached 5.5 million tons, with a turnover of USD 2.8 billion, up 3.1% in volume. The full-year target is forecasted at 8.8 million tons, securing Vietnam’s position as the world’s second-largest exporter, with an average price of USD 514 per ton
The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment reported that in the first seven months, the sector’s total export turnover reached USD 39.7 billion, up 14.7%. Of this, agricultural products increased by 17%, forestry products by 8.6%, and seafood by 13.8%. Notably, exports to Europe surged by 49%, the Middle East by 10.9%, and Africa by 8.9%.
Acting Minister of Agriculture and Environment Trần Đức Thắng affirmed that agriculture remains a pillar of exports, targeting growth of over 4% and an export turnover of USD 65–70 billion in 2025, aiming for USD 80–100 billion in the 2026–2030 period. The ministry will push for administrative reforms, improve legislation in line with import markets, and expand exports to the EU, UAE, South America, while also strengthening the domestic market.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyễn Minh Hằng warned of risks from food prices and U.S. tax policies, urging enterprises to diversify their markets.
At the same time, Nguyễn Anh Sơn, Director General of the Import-Export Department, said the Ministry of Industry and Trade will step up trade defense measures, tighten control on origin fraud, and open new markets such as the Gulf region, Egypt, and Halal markets.
(Source: Người Lao Động)
