Arabfields, Farah Benali, Economic Correspondent, China — Vietnam’s agricultural sector stands at the threshold of a transformative era, propelled by strategic reforms and ambitious targets that signal a robust future for one of the nation’s economic cornerstones. On January 5, the Agricultural Trade Promotion Center, known as AGRITRADE and operating under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, convened a significant conference to unveil key decisions on its organizational structure and personnel appointments. These changes mark a deliberate expansion of the center’s mandate, positioning it as a central hub for advancing trade promotion in both agriculture and environmental domains, with an eye toward sustainable growth and elevated global competitiveness.
The newly announced decision, issued by the Minister of Agriculture and Environment on December 29, 2025, redefines AGRITRADE’s core functions and tasks. As a public service agency, it now bears responsibility for comprehensive trade promotion and market development, alongside providing market information, communication, and forecasting services. Beyond these foundational roles, the center supports consulting for the development of One Commune One Product initiatives, rural tourism, green economy products, and circular economy models. It also engages in training, technology transfer, international cooperation, and a range of trade promotion services aligned with national legal frameworks. This broadened scope represents a notable evolution, incorporating environment-related products and services, as well as green and circular economy initiatives, which have been identified as pivotal growth drivers for the years ahead.
Structural enhancements accompany these expanded duties, with the addition of a specialized department bringing the total to six. A newly established Market Data and Digital Transformation Department underscores the recognition of data as a vital resource, while the renaming of the former OCOP Department to the OCOP and Green Economy Department reflects a commitment to fostering sustainable practices. Personnel adjustments further bolster this renewal, including the appointment of a new deputy director drawn from expertise in natural resources and environment information, alongside promotions and transfers within various units. These organizational shifts are not merely administrative; they embody a forward-looking vision to equip AGRITRADE for the demands of a rapidly evolving global market.
At the heart of these reforms lies the impressive momentum built during the 2021-2025 period, where Vietnam’s agro-forestry-aquatic exports delivered consistently positive outcomes. This foundation has paved the way for an ambitious new phase, closely tied to the forthcoming 2026-2030 Strategy and broader national development goals. For 2026 specifically, the export target for agro-forestry-aquatic products has been set at 74 billion USD, a figure that reflects confidence in continued expansion following recent successes. Yet the aspirations extend even further, with leaders expressing determination to achieve 100 billion USD in exports in the coming years, a milestone that would cement Vietnam’s status as a global agricultural powerhouse.
Achieving this lofty goal will require profound innovations in trade promotion, moving beyond traditional approaches to emphasize the export of knowledge and advanced technologies. Particular focus is placed on technological applications within agriculture and environmental management, areas where Vietnam can leverage its strengths to create higher value-added products. The enhanced role of AGRITRADE is expected to play a crucial part here, serving as a catalyst for market expansion, product diversification, and service innovation. By integrating digital transformation, the center will likely enable more precise market forecasting and data-driven decision-making, allowing Vietnamese producers to anticipate global trends and respond swiftly to shifting demands.
In the realm of green and circular economy initiatives, these reforms position Vietnam to capitalize on rising international preferences for sustainable goods. As consumers and markets worldwide prioritize environmentally responsible products, the emphasis on green economy development within AGRITRADE’s structure could unlock new export opportunities in premium segments, such as eco-certified fisheries, organic crops, and sustainably sourced forestry items. Rural tourism tied to agricultural experiences may also emerge as a complementary revenue stream, blending export growth with domestic economic benefits. Over the medium term, these strategies are poised to drive steady annual increases in export value, building on the trajectory from recent years toward the 74 billion USD mark in 2026 and beyond.
Looking ahead, the coming decade promises accelerated progress if these reforms are fully realized. With digital tools enhancing market intelligence and green practices elevating product appeal, Vietnam’s agro-forestry-aquatic sector could see compounded growth rates that propel exports well past the initial 2026 target. By the end of the 2026-2030 period, reaching or even surpassing 100 billion USD appears increasingly attainable, supported by stronger international partnerships, technology adoption among farmers, and a shift toward high-tech, sustainable production models. This evolution would not only boost economic contributions from agriculture but also reinforce environmental resilience, ensuring long-term viability in the face of climate challenges.
Ultimately, the renewed mandate of AGRITRADE signals a holistic approach to agricultural advancement, one that intertwines economic ambition with sustainability. As Vietnam navigates this path, the sector’s contributions to national prosperity are likely to grow substantially, fostering job creation, rural development, and enhanced global influence. The journey toward 100 billion USD in exports represents more than a numerical target; it embodies a vision of innovative, green, and resilient agriculture that will define Vietnam’s future on the world stage.
