Looking back on the first year of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment operating under the new model, Minister Tran Duc Thang had an exchange with a reporter from the Industry and Trade Newspaper about the outstanding achievements, lessons learned in management, and directions for the next stage.
With decisive management, agricultural exports reach a new record.
- Mr. Minister, 2025 has concluded with many notable achievements. Looking back on the first year of operation under the new model, what has left the deepest impression on you in the management of the sector?
Minister Tran Duc Thang: According to the 2025 operational plan, the Government has assigned the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to strive to achieve an export turnover of agricultural, forestry, and aquatic products of approximately 65 billion USD. This is a very challenging goal in the context of slow global trade recovery, technical barriers, and increasingly stringent standards.
Minister of Agriculture and Environment Tran Duc Thang. Photo: Khuong Trung
However, with the concerted efforts of the entire sector, by the end of 2025, total export turnover is estimated to reach approximately US$70.09 billion, an increase of nearly 12% compared to the previous year, far exceeding the assigned target and reaching the highest level ever. In particular, the trade surplus for the entire sector is estimated at approximately US$20.7 billion, an increase of nearly 17%, making a significant contribution to the national trade balance.
To achieve this result, the Ministry has focused on removing market barriers, technical standards, and traceability requirements; expanding and diversifying export markets; and gradually improving the quality, added value, and brand of Vietnamese agricultural products.
A crucial pillar is the building and improvement of institutions. In the context of rapidly changing development models, laws cannot lag behind reality; they must be one step ahead, promptly addressing bottlenecks hindering production, business, and investment. Every document issued is meticulously planned to be stable, consistent, feasible, and truly serve as a lever for development.
Simultaneously, digital transformation has been identified as a breakthrough task with long-term strategic importance. Implementing Resolution No. 57 in the fields of agriculture and environment is not merely about applying technology, but about fundamentally changing management, operation, and service methods, using digital data as a foundation to enhance efficiency, transparency, and predictive capabilities.
In particular, digital transformation has been identified as a breakthrough task with long-term strategic importance. The implementation of Resolution No. 57 in the fields of agriculture and environment is not merely about applying technology, but a fundamental transformation of management, operation, and service methods, using digital data as a foundation to enhance efficiency, transparency, and predictive capabilities.
A notable achievement in 2025 was the completion of the national land database and the implementation of the 90-day campaign to enrich and clean up land data nationwide. Despite tight deadlines, a massive workload, and the impact of natural disasters and floods, the entire system reviewed and updated over 61.7 million land parcels; of which over 24.3 million met the criteria of being "correct, complete, clean, and viable," ready for connection, sharing, and real-time exploitation.
In addition, data synchronization efforts have been implemented vigorously. To date, all 34 provinces and cities have completed the synchronization of land data with the central government, achieving a rate of approximately 98%. This is a crucial data foundation for management, administration, and socio-economic development in the new era.
The year 2025 also marked a significant milestone in international integration. Ministry leaders' trips to major partners were all geared towards the specific goal of expanding cooperation, attracting resources, technology, and advanced management expertise. A highlight was the signing of the Protocol on the export of fresh jackfruit to China, expanding official export channels and increasing the stability and transparency of Vietnam's fruit exports.
With a spirit of decisive action, unwavering dedication, and results as the measure of success, the breakthrough achievements in 2025 will not come from slogans, but from choosing the right priorities, concentrating resources, and organizing effective implementation. This is also a crucial test of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment's operational capacity in its first year operating under the new model, laying the foundation for more solid steps in the next phase.
Creating a modern, ecological agricultural system that is competitive globally.
- In light of increasingly stringent market standards, what solutions will the industry focus on to maintain and enhance export growth in the coming period?
Minister Tran Duc Thang: To maintain the growth momentum of agricultural, forestry, and aquatic product exports in the context of increasingly high market standards and fierce competition, the agriculture and environment sector has identified the simultaneous implementation of several key solution groups.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment signed a protocol on the export of fresh jackfruit with the General Administration of Customs of China. Photo: Tung Dinh
Firstly , we will continue to improve institutions, standards, and quality barriers to meet integration requirements; strengthen quality control, food safety, and traceability right from the source.
Secondly , the restructuring of production will be linked to green agriculture, the circular economy, and value chains. The Ministry will focus on developing concentrated, standardized raw material areas; implementing major programs such as the "Sustainable Development of One Million Hectares of High-Quality, Low-Emission Rice Cultivation in the Mekong Delta by 2030" project;… thereby improving quality while meeting environmental requirements and ensuring traceability.
Thirdly , diversify markets and enhance agricultural diplomacy. Besides maintaining traditional markets, the Ministry is proactively expanding into potential markets and effectively utilizing FTAs;…
Fourth , develop deep processing, logistics, and the application of science and technology, and digital transformation throughout the entire value chain, in order to increase added value and reduce costs.
Fifthly , it is crucial to ensure disease safety, quality, and the stability of the supply chain. The Ministry will strengthen disease prevention and control, proactively respond to natural disasters, ensure timely delivery according to contracts, and maintain the reputation of Vietnamese agricultural products in the international market.
Throughout these solutions, the goal is to increase farmers' income and develop rural areas in a green, ecological, and modern direction.
- As we enter the new year, building upon the values cultivated during the first year of operation under the new model, what are the Minister's expectations for the industry's appearance in the coming springs?
Minister Tran Duc Thang: 2025 is the first year the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment operates under the new model, marked not only by growth figures, but more importantly by the lasting values in thinking, methods, and aspirations for development that spread throughout the entire sector. These subtle transformations will determine the depth and sustainability of the road ahead.
Looking ahead, the Agriculture and Environment sector carries the aspiration for long-term development, linked to the milestone of 80 years of its formation and growth. This is not just an aspiration for growth or expansion, but an aspiration to create a modern, ecological agriculture capable of competing globally; a transparent, efficient, and harmonious system for managing resources and the environment, balancing economic development with the preservation of the country's living space.
This aspiration is embodied in a simple yet enduring message: developing agriculture and the environment today is cultivating for tomorrow. The success of the sector is not measured solely by annual figures or term-by-term achievements, but by its sustained contribution to the overall development of the nation. With its new stature, new mission, and great aspirations, the Agriculture and Environment sector is facing a historic opportunity to affirm its pivotal role in the era of green, sustainable, and prosperous growth.
Thank you, Minister!
The arrival of the new year also marks the sowing of seeds of thought, institutions, and aspirations. There is still much work to be done, but with a clear direction and nurtured confidence, the Agriculture and Environment sector has the foundation to enter a new phase of development – greener, deeper, and more sustainable, in sync with the nation's progress.
Source: https://congthuong.vn/giu-mach-dat-lanh-gieo-hat-cho-tuong-lai-xanh-443246.html
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