Strengthen agricultural integration in ASEAN

On September 15-16, speakers will discuss current and future pressing issues, analyze the impacts of ASEAN integration on the agricultural sector, and share development experiences of member countries and non-governmental organizations in the field of public investment for sustainable agricultural development. From there, propose development strategies and support policies for Vietnamese agriculture when joining the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).

According to Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Quoc Doanh, Vietnam's current agricultural restructuring is focusing strongly on restructuring public investment and public services in agriculture, creating a favorable environment to effectively and sustainably form agricultural value chains based on regional and local comparative advantages. Building a favorable environment to attract businesses to invest in agriculture, restructuring labor and the rural economy is also one of the goals that need special attention and attention.

Vietnam is currently a major exporter of agricultural products in the world with 10 products with export turnover of over 1 billion USD/year. However, to maintain and develop this advantage, according to Mr. Le Quoc Doanh, we must constantly innovate and apply science and technology; Developing key products associated with technology applications to increase productivity and reduce costs; Promote the construction of information systems, market forecasts and trade promotion, and proactively respond effectively to climate change.

According to Ms. Liliane Danso Dahmen, Director of the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Office  Southeast Asia, the process of industrialization and urbanization in recent years has posed many challenges for agricultural and rural development. AEC brings opportunities for Vietnamese agricultural products but also poses different challenges. Farmers are still the most challenged and investment in agriculture remains limited. Meanwhile, dependence on imported varieties, outdated farming methods, and cooperation between partners in production are processes that affect the sustainable development of agriculture.

Sharing at the conference, Mr. Dang Kim Khoi (Institute of Strategic Policy for Rural Development) said that to promote food, agriculture and forestry cooperation in the region, it is necessary to continue to build and apply common standards of quality and safety; develop solutions for good agricultural production practices, generally applicable to the region and businesses must be responsible in production and business; promote investment cooperation, technology transfer, and labor circulation; market information, investment orientation...

Source: Government Electronic Newspaper