Agriculture and environment sector - key pillar of national economy: Party chief
Vietnam aims to restructure the agricultural sector toward ecological, organic and circular models with high-tech applications to generate higher added value.
THE HANOI TIMES — General Secretary To Lam has called for reforms in Vietnam’s agriculture and environment sector, stressing that sustainable growth, green transformation and innovation must drive the nation’s development in the new era.
Speaking at a ceremony marking the sector’s 80th anniversary (1945–2025) in Hanoi on November 12, the Party chief said that agriculture remains a pillar of the national economy, a foundation of people’s livelihoods and a key force in Vietnam’s transformation.
"Developing agriculture and protecting natural resources and the environment are economic responsibilities, as well as political, cultural, social, security and defense missions," said Lam.
Party General Secretary To Lam delivers speech at the event. Photo: VGP
The Party leader warned of ongoing challenges in economic growth, resource management and environmental protection, noting that issues related to natural resources, climate change and pollution have become major bottlenecks to sustainable development.
Lam urged the sector to renew its mindset, ensure transparency in resource management and take bold actions to promote sustainable development.
Students during a practical session at Vietnam National University of Agriculture. Photo: Lao Dong Newspaper
He emphasized the importance of science, technology, innovation and digital transformation in agricultural production, calling for removing administrative bottlenecks, improving access to capital and technology and restructuring agriculture toward ecological, organic and circular models with high-tech applications.
He also stressed developing national brands, expanding markets and deepening integration into global agricultural value chains.
Tran Duc Thang, Minister of Agriculture and Environment, speaks at the ceremony. Photo: VGP
Tran Duc Thang, Minister of Agriculture and Environment, launched a patriotic emulation movement, encouraged scientists, entrepreneurs, cooperatives and farmers nationwide to unite and innovate further, successfully achieving set goals and building the model of “Ecological agriculture - modern rural areas - civilized farmers” model.
On this occasion, General Secretary To Lam presented a First-class Labor Order to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment for its contributions to gross domestic product (GDP) growth, as well as in recognition of its outstanding contributions to the nation’s socio-economic development.
Contributing about 12% to Vietnam’s GDP, agriculture remains a backbone of the economy thanks to advantages in fertile land, forest cover, sea territory, tropical climate and affordable labor.
In the first half of 2025, the sector grew 3.8%, with rice output up 1.7%, meat production up 3.5% and fisheries up 2.9%. Strong yields lifted export turnover to over US$53 billion, with a trade surplus exceeding US$12 billion, making up 42.5% of the country’s total.
Vietnam exports a wide range of farm products, with rice, coffee, cashew nuts, fruits and vegetables making up over US$16 billion. Since early 2025, prices of durian, coffee and rice have risen 20%, 9% and 6% respectively. Total export turnover of agricultural, forestry and fishery products is projected to reach US$54–$55 billion this year.
Vietnam is integrating environmental protection into agricultural development through strategies promoting green growth, climate resilience and resource efficiency. The sector is shifting toward sustainable practices such as organic farming, greater use of organic fertilizers and biological pesticides and advanced water-saving irrigation methods.
