(VAN) Agro-forestry-fishery exports reached 9.38 billion USD in the first two months of 2025, with a trade surplus of 2.05 billion USD. Consequently, these figures contribute significantly to maintaining the economy’s trade balance.
Favorable production and exports activities
The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment held its February briefing meeting, chaired by Minister Do Duc Duy, on the morning of March 11.
In a report to the Minister, the Department of Planning and Finance stated that Vietnam’s forestry and fishery exports saw strong growth in the first two months of 2025. Notably, revenue from forestry exports reached approximately 2.68 billion USD, marking an increase of 11.9% compared to the corresponding period in 2024. Similarly, revenue from fishery exports reached 1.42 billion USD, marking an increase of 18.6%.
Minister Do Duc Duy attending and chairing the conference on the morning of March 11. Photo: Khuong Trung.
These two export groups recorded high growth rates, exceeding the government’s target of 12% and surpassing the overall export growth rate of the economy, which stood at 8.4% in the first two months of the year, according to the General Statistics Office.
The majority of agro-forestry-fishery export groups saw an increase compared to the corresponding period in 2024. Consequently, revenue from these exports reached a total of 9.38 billion USD, marking an increase of 8.3%. Notably, revenue from exports reached 4.4 billion USD in February 2025, marking an increase of 32.7% compared to February 2024.
With this level of sustained growth, the total revenue from agro-forestry-fishery exports amounted to 9.38 billion USD after the first two months of 2025, generating a trade surplus of 2.05 billion USD. These impressive results contributed significantly to maintaining Vietnam’s trade balance, which recorded an overall surplus of 1.47 billion USD.
On the other hand, domestic production continued to exhibit strong and positive growth. Notably, the country’s pig population increased by approximately 3.2%, while poultry rose by 3.4% compared to the corresponding period in 2024. Aquaculture production reached 692,200 tons, marking an increase of 4.9%, while wild catch production remained at 550,700 tons, a decrease of 0.5%. The area of newly planted forests expanded to 20,100 hectares, marking an increase of 6.5%, with harvested timber output exceeding 2.6 million cubic meters, an increase of 18.9%. Revenue from forest environmental services surpassed 682 billion VND, marking an increase of 11%.
Completion of 61.5% of assigned tasks
The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment’s Office reported that in the first two months of 2025, the ministry instructed local governments to focus on sowing and tending winter-spring rice and vegetable crops in addition to making thorough preparations for the fifth inspection by the European Commission’s delegation on combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Additionally, local authorities improved their forest fire prevention efforts, with a focus on high-risk regions such as the Southeast, Central Highlands, and Northwest.
Chief of Office Le Van Thanh providing a report on key tasks in February. Photo: Khuong Trung.
The conference also raised and addressed several food safety incidents, warnings on export shipments in foreign markets, and efforts to expand agricultural and food export markets.
The ministry prioritized forecasting and issuing early warnings on natural disasters and extreme weather events, especially as climate change exhibit increasingly complex developments. Timely monitoring and response measures have enabled local governments and communities take proactive steps to protect assets and minimize disaster-related damages.
Regarding public investment disbursement, under Decision No. 1508/QD-TTg issued by the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment allocated and disbursed 977.9 billion VND, reaching 4.7% of the annual plan. Although this rate remains lower than the national average, the ministry is committed to effectively accelerating the disbursement of key projects by the end of 2025.
In terms of organizational restructuring, the ministry has completed the development and implementation of official decisions that define the functions, duties, and organizational structures of its affiliated units. Additionally, the ministry has consolidated leadership positions to promote stability and efficiency in administrative management.
One of the ministry’s highlights in early 2025 has been its proactive approach in addressing local petitions and proposals. As of February 21, the ministry had addressed 1,753 assigned tasks, with 1,079 already completed, achieving a 61.5% completion rate.
Director of the Department of Planning and Finance Dang Ngoc Diep presenting at the conference. Photo: Khuong Trung.
Preventing the merger process from affecting public services
In his speech at the conference, Minister Do Duc Duy reaffirmed the importance of implementing and completing the merger between the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. He also emphasized the need to provide consultation to the government on the issuance of Decree No. 35/2025/ND-CP, which defines the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the newly established Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.
“With its outstanding achievements in leadership, management, and task execution, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has reinforced its crucial role in ensuring the sustainable development of the country’s agriculture, natural resources, and environmental sectors,” the minister stated. He further highlighted that the ministry has established a strong foundation to accomplish its goals for 2025 and beyond.
As of March 1, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment officially commenced operations. The merger process has proceeded with minimal issues and without disrupting business activities or affecting people’s livelihoods.
Minister Do Duc Duy instructed the ministry’s affiliated units to focus on key priorities, including stabilizing the organizational structure, integrating the work of the two former ministries, and executing critical tasks in the near future, particularly in March 2025 and the second quarter.
For 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has outlined plans to develop 41 projects and tasks in addition to issuing 58 circulars. Additionally, the ministry has completed and submitted five decrees to the government, covering key policies on minerals, environmental protection, and agricultural production.
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