Hanoi (VNA) - 🐟In order to increase exports, the Ministry of Industry and Trade is promoting solutions to support the consumption of agricultural products through e-commerce and connecting exports through foreign distribution systems.

Exports of agro-forestry products in Vietnam dropped sharply in the first quarter of the year. Bumper crops of agricultural products and low prices have been the norm in past years, affecting the income of farmers. To promote consumption of agricultural products and enhance product value to meet market standards, authorities are promoting trade activities in an effort to expand consumption channels.

Export of agro-forestry-aquatic products

Vietnam earned some 11 billion USD from agro-forestry-aquatic product exports in the first quarter 2023, down 14.4% year-on-year, reported the Ministry of Industry and Trade. The export of aquatic products, rubber, cassava and cassava products dropped in the first quarter of the year. Although exports to Asian markets rose 9%, Vietnam’s agro-forestry-aquatic product exports to America, Europe, Oceania and Africa contracted 35.8%, 3%, 25% and 50%, respectively. According to Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien, international import markets have set increasingly high standards for imported agricultural products. "Vietnamese businesses need to actively promote market development and know the rules and standards of the Chinese market, especially for agricultural and aquatic products. They also need to adjust strategies, build sustainable production areas, and steer clear of large market swings in the face of high market demand." said Minister Nguyen Hong Dien. The ministry said the decrease in agro-forestry-aquatic product export revenue was due to the impact of the global economy, which is forecast to slow this year. The Russia-Ukraine conflict and global inflation are also a drag on exports and access to new markets. Moreover, many countries have stepped up exports, while imported inventory is high in major markets like the US and the EU. This leaves domestic Vietnamese enterprises unable to earn new orders. The ministry said it will continue to promote market development and remove obstacles to domestic consumption and export in the time ahead.

Accelerate promotional activities for product consumption

For many years, trade promotion activities have contributed significantly to promoting the consumption of goods, including the agro-forestry-fisheries sector. Government support has helped connect markets, create regional links, and develop large and sustainable supply chains. Striving to promote agricultural products both at home and abroad, the Trade Promotion Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade actively promotes trade by strengthening connections for local products and supporting the consumption of agricultural products through e-commerce channels. The Trade Promotion Department’s main task in 2023 is to promote the consumption of seasonal agricultural products through traditional and modern distribution systems, organise fairs and exhibitions integrated with cultural and tourism events. According to Director of the Department of Trade Promotion Vu Ba Phu, the department has deepened consulting activities for businesses, cooperatives and associations in building and developing brands. The Ministry of Industry and Trade will continue to carry out trade promotion activities such as training for businesses to improve product quality, meeting international export criteria by achieving certification for agricultural products such as EuroGAP, VietGAP, GlobalGAP, Vu Ba Phu said./.