PM chairs conference on ways to tackle difficulties in forestry-fishery exports
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on April 13 chaired a conference where he worked with the Vietnam Timber and Forest Product Association (VIFOREST) and the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) to seek solutions to hurdles facing forestry-fishery production and exports.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the event (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on April 13 chaired a conference where he worked with the Vietnam Timber and Forest Product Association (VIFOREST) and the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) to seek solutions to hurdles facing forestry-fishery production and exports.
In his opening speech, the PM highlighted the importance of the sectors, whose trade surplus exceeds 10 billion USD, in the country’s socio-economic development and poverty alleviation.
The export of timber and forest products was estimated at 17.1 billion USD in 2022, exceeding the yearly target by 3.8%. The industry is aiming at pushing the figure to 17.5 billion USD in 2023.
Illustrative photo (Source: VNA)
Meanwhile, seafood export revenue last year reached 11 billion USD, 23.8% higher than 2021 and 22.2% higher than the set target for 2022. The sector is eyeing 10 billion USD in export value this year.
However, in the early months of 2023, their growth tended to be slower. Between January and March, the accumulated export and import turnover of agro-forestry-fishery products was estimated at 20.63 billion USD, down 11.2% year-on-year.
Given the context, PM Chinh requested participants to fully, accurately and objectively identify difficulties and issues affecting the forestry-fishery production, processing, and distribution; and put forth short- and long-term solutions to these problems./.
Agriculture has affirmed its role as an important pillar of the economy, helping build an independent and self-reliant economy with active, intensive, and effective integration into the world and bring a prosperous and happy life to people, according to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.
Vietnam’s export of agro-forestry-aquatic products reeled in over 3.7 billion USD in January, down 23% against the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Development.
The agro-forestry-fishery export turnover reached 6.28 billion USD in the first two months of 2023, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Vietnam’s gross domestic product (GDP) has grown about 3.32% year on year in the first quarter of 2023, according to the General Statistics Office (GSO).
Given the decline of many traditional raw export markets, agro businesses have been actively promoting technology transfer and application in production, focusing on deep processing to diversify export markets.
The trip will be made at the invitations of Chinese Premier Li Qiang and WEF President and CEO Børge Brende, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Long spoke highly of the dynamic, positive, and comprehensive development of Vietnam – Russia relations in recent years. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State place great importance on further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a substantive and effective manner, in line with the development needs of both nations.
At the conference, participants reported that the Government has so far issued 28 decrees on the delegation of responsibilities and powers between the central Government and two-tier local administrations. Several localities have already piloted the new governance model.
Reality is the ultimate benchmark for success, he said, urging drafting agencies to work out policies that foster development, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and respect practical conditions.
Under the official dispatch signed on June 20, ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees are requested to concentrate efforts on implementing core measures to ensure the smooth operations of the new administrative framework.
The Party chief underscored the need for the press to innovate relentlessly, evolve to keep pace with the country's development, transform into a truly professional, humanistic, and modern sector that serves the cause of the Party, the State, and the people on the path to national construction and development.
The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a model in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting international peace and security, and engaging in key UN processes.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the event (Photo: VNA) 
Illustrative photo (Source: VNA) 
