First quarter of 2018: Agricultural GDP increased 4.05% - the highest increase in 13 years

According to the General Statistics Office, in the first quarter of 2018, GDP growth rate of agriculture, forestry and fishery increased 4.05% - the highest increase in 13 recent years. This is a great achievement of the industry contributing to the high growth of the country.

The value of agricultural, forestry and fishery production in the first quarter was estimated at VND189.5 trillion, up by 4.18% compared to the first quarter of 2017; Of which, agriculture reached VND143.86 trillion, up 3.92% (cultivation reached VND90.6258 billion, up 5.16%; livestock production reached VND50.466 trillion, up 1.85%); forestry reached over VND7,065 billion, up 5.15%; aquatic products reached VND38,569.9 billion, up 4.96%. In the first three months of this year, the total export turnover of agriculture, forestry and fishery products in the first three months was estimated at $ 8.7 billion, up 9.6% over the same period last year and reaching 21.4% of the 2018 target.

In the first quarter of 2018, the national target program for new rural development also achieved impressive results. Until March 20^th, the country has 3,289 communes (36.84%) which are recognized to meet new rural standards, increased 220 communes (2.47%) compared to the end of 2017; 47 new rural districts, increased 3 districts in comparison with the end of 2017.

In order to contribute to the country's overall growth target of 6.5-6.7%, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is determined to strive to achieve a GDP growth rate of at least 3.0%, export value reachs 40 -40.5 billion USD, 39.8% of communes achieved the new rural standards and forest cover  reachs 41.65% of the total land area. To achieve these objectives, the Ministry will continue to promote restructuring, improve productivity, quality of agricultural products and efficiency of production and business.

Accordingly, the ministry will continue to review the planning, assess the advantages and potential to build product structure in three groups to meet market demand and adapt to climate change: The National Special Product Group; Provincial Special Product Group and Village/Commune Special Groups for specific guidance; At the same time, focusing on market expanding and new market development for timely and efficient consumption of the agricultural products would also be emphasized. In particular, in 2018, the sector will focus on developing the processing industry for agricultural, forestry and fishery, especially in processing vegetables and animal products (chicken and pig), serving the domestic market and export.

At the briefing in March 2018, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Xuan Cuong commented: The agricultural picture in the first quarter of 2018 was very positive, especially the high growth rate of the industry, creating a premise for next quarters as well as the implementation of the assigned objectives and tasks in 2018. The minister has assigned the vice ministers under the Ministry shall have to review the current implementation progress monthly, on a drastic basis of the growth scenarios of each sector in order to take initiative in implementing solutions to ensure the excellent completion of the objectives and tasks assigned by the Government and the Prime Minister.

The minister also asked the leaders of units under the Ministry to strictly eliminate and simplify business conditions and procedures. In April, 1818, units under the Ministry must unify the inspection point of shipments, cutting down on the list of specialized inspection for cargo items and simplifying specialized inspection procedures; At the same time, the ministry will soon complete the Decree amending the relevant decrees on the conditions for investment and business.