The sector recorded a record-3 year low. Experts also discussed the conclusion of the TPP talks on the sector. According to the ministry’s statistics, due to foreign exchange fluctuations, export turnover for agricultural products for the first 9 months witnessed a drop of 7.2%, compared to the same period last year.
Remarkably, the figure of in the fisheries sector alone fell nearly 18%. In addition to that, hygiene and food safety condition in the period also added to the difficulties. In terms of the conclusion of TPP talks, experts said that restructuring would be vital if the sector was going to be competitive enough. Livestock will be the first sector to undergo deep-rooted reform.
"There is a solid belief that Vietnamese consumers prefer domestic livestock products thanks to their freshness. Not to mention the consumer habits that domestic companies are well-aware of. If the sector steps up quality control in production, it will be able to maintain our competitiveness", Nguyen Xuan Duong, Deputy Director of Livestock Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, said.
"The TPP will bring both opportunities and challenges. The agreement is considered a good test for Vietnam’s agricultural restructuring, which involve participation of farmers, businesses, and government management agencies", Ha Cong Tuan, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, said.
The ministry set an export turnover target for the agriculture, forestry and fisheries of 30 billion USD. The ministry will continue price and quality audits and controls, while focusing on hygiene and food safety.
