With a robust start to the year, exports hit 240 million USD in the first half, marking a 3.8% annual increase, as reported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Processed meat products are leading the pack, with fresh, chilled, and frozen pork following closely behind.
Vietnam's processed chicken meat has already made inroads into Japan, Hong Kong (China), five countries within the Eurasian Economic Union, and Mongolia.
The country has secured significant wins, including export licenses for dairy and bird's nest products to China. Now, the Department of Animal Health (DAH) is actively pursuing expanded market access for these and other livestock products, and engaging in negotiations with the Republic of Korea, Singapore, the EU, the UK, and the Middle East.
DAH Director Nguyen Van Long revealed ongoing talks with the Republic of Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety to finalise food safety conditions for poultry products.
Major industry players like Masan, C.P. Vietnam, Koyu & Unitek, Japfa, De Heus and GreenFeed are also investing heavily in disease-free zones and state-of-the-art processing facilities.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien said the agriculture sector aims for comprehensive, efficient, and sustainable livestock development that adapts to climate change through industrialisation and modernisation. This approach focuses on integrating value chains, circular economy principles to enhance added value and ensure biosecurity, disease control, and food safety.
Diversifying export markets and tapping into new opportunities, such as the Halal market, is crucial for boosting overall exports and specifically enhancing the export of livestock products, Tien added.