Proactively maintain agricultural export rhythm in the face of global trade fluctuations

On May 8, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh signed an official dispatch requesting ministries, branches and localities to focus on directing the production, consumption and export of agricultural, forestry and fishery products in the context of global trade fluctuations.

In recent years, agricultural, forestry and fishery production, especially food in our country, has always been stable, maintaining a fairly good growth momentum, each year higher than the previous year, the export value of agricultural, forestry and fishery products in 2024 reached 62.5 billion USD (a record high). Recently, especially in the coming time, the global trade situation may fluctuate strongly due to changes in tariff policies of some countries, which may affect production and export in general and production and consumption of agricultural, forestry and fishery products in particular. However, this is also an opportunity for industries, localities, businesses and people to promote transformation and diversification of products and markets for sustainable production.

To proactively respond to the impacts of trade instability, ensure stable production and consumption of agricultural, forestry and fishery products, and improve people's income and living standards, the Prime Minister requested ministries, branches and localities to continue to closely monitor the global trade situation and developments, proactively and flexibly deploy appropriate and effective solutions to proactively respond to challenges caused by trade instability. Provide timely information so that enterprises producing, trading and exporting agricultural, forestry and fishery products can proactively and flexibly adapt to import policies and tariff policies of importing countries to stabilize production and export of agricultural, forestry and fishery products.

The Prime Minister assigned the Minister of Agriculture and Environment to continue to focus on directing localities to boost agricultural production, especially food and foodstuffs, to ensure supply to fully meet domestic demand, while serving exports, and firmly ensuring national food security in all situations.

At the same time, proactively coordinate with ministries, branches and localities to propose appropriate solutions to ensure production and consumption of agricultural, forestry and fishery products, avoid disruption of the supply chain, affecting production and people's lives. Focus on directing the restructuring of the agricultural sector towards large-scale commodity production, developing green, organic, circular and sustainable agriculture, continuing to effectively implement the Project on sustainable development of one million hectares of high-quality and low-emission rice cultivation associated with green growth in the Mekong Delta by 2030.

Coordinate with industry associations, businesses and localities to review planning and production plans towards product and market diversification to proactively and flexibly adapt to fluctuations and new market demands; promote the development of geographical indications, product brands, issue codes for growing and farming areas, build a strict product traceability system, avoid trade fraud, especially for industries with high risk of origin evasion.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment promotes research, application of science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation in the agricultural sector; prioritizes the development of high-quality plant and animal varieties that adapt to climate change; enhances preservation and deep processing of valuable products such as shrimp, pangasius, and fresh fruit to increase added value.

Coordinate with the Ministry of Finance and relevant agencies to proactively research plans to support temporary purchase and storage of some commodities at risk of falling prices during peak harvest times, especially rice, coffee, and pepper, to limit impacts on farmers' income.

The Minister of Industry and Trade shall preside over and coordinate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to direct the strengthening of trade promotion and negotiations with countries with potential markets to continue expanding and diversifying export markets, especially major partners with FTA agreements with Vietnam, diversifying products and supply chains, and at the same time implementing connection programs, organizing agricultural weeks and Vietnamese goods fairs to exploit the potential of domestic markets and foreign markets; proactively taking appropriate defense measures to protect domestic production.

The Ministry of Finance continues to direct the resolution of difficulties, reform administrative procedures, simplify import and export customs clearance procedures, shorten VAT refund time, implement policies on tax deferral and refund, and land rent in accordance with the law to contribute to reducing compliance costs and enhancing the competitiveness of domestic agricultural products; preside over and coordinate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and relevant agencies to research and propose appropriate tax policies, especially for agricultural, forestry and fishery products affected by trade instability to support businesses in finding new alternative markets.

The State Bank of Vietnam directs the maintenance and expansion of preferential credit packages for the agriculture, forestry and fishery sectors; continues to provide loans to support businesses in maintaining production, creating conditions to ensure jobs, livelihoods, income and life for workers.

The Prime Minister requested the Chairmen of the People's Committees of provinces and cities to closely monitor the situation, direct the production and consumption of agricultural, forestry and fishery products in their localities; strengthen inspection and prevention of origin fraud, counterfeit and poor-quality goods, strictly control the use of chemicals that affect the health and reputation of Vietnamese agricultural products; and strictly handle acts of market manipulation and instability.

Enterprises need to monitor international trade policies to adjust production plans, promote chain linkages, invest in raw material areas, cold storage, deep processing, build brands, proactively adapt and improve product quality, especially during the peak harvest season.

Minh Trang

Source: https://baophapluat.vn/chu-dong-giu-nhip-xuat-khau-nong-san-truoc-bien-dong-thuong-mai-toan-cau-post547829.html