ICD to affirm Vietnam's voice in global agriculture and environment forums

On the morning of August 1, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Hoang Trung chaired a mid-year review meeting of the International Cooperation Department (ICD).

In the first half of 2025, the agriculture and environment sector witnessed vibrant external affairs and international cooperation activities, achieving many positive results and affirming Vietnam’s standing in bilateral and multilateral forums.

Deputy Minister Hoang Trung highlighted the sector's external affairs imprint, with significant contributions from ICD: "Tasks were carried out precisely, ensuring diplomatic sensitivity and enabling Vietnam to fully engage in multilateral mechanisms."

According to Mr. Nguyen Do Anh Tuan, Director General of the ICD, over the past six months, the Department has hosted 22 visiting delegations representing embassies and international organizations for meetings with the leadership of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), and successfully organized 35 international conferences and workshops.

The Ministry, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), welcomed 14 African ministers to participate in the High-Level Inter-Regional Knowledge Exchange the OCOP models, and contributed Vietnam’s voice on sustainable development at the Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit.

These events not only created opportunities for exchanges with many countries but also reaffirmed Vietnam’s role and experience in agricultural development. International delegates consistently recognized Vietnam’s standing and voice in various forums and agendas, acknowledging its pioneering initiatives in green and low-emission agricultural development.

The second half of 2025 will mark important national and sectoral anniversaries and the reception of numerous international partners. ICD will continue to strengthen the effective implementation of international treaties and agreements while preparing cooperation documents to support upcoming high-level visits and working missions.

ICD has advised the Ministry’s leadership in chairing and participating in reciprocal trade negotiations with the U.S., preparing reports and response strategies to help the agriculture and environment sectors proactively adapt to trade policy fluctuations. MAE units have also worked with industry associations to engage with U.S. counterparts to continue removing trade barriers for the wood and fisheries industries.

Regarding market expansion, Deputy Minister Hoang Trung proposed that the ICD develop a coordination scheme and mobilize additional resources to support the growth of agricultural exports. He emphasized the need for the ICD to focus on connecting stakeholders and encouraging their participation in the Low-Emission Crop Production Project that the Ministry is planning to implement.

Looking ahead, Deputy Minister Hoang Trung outlined priority tasks, including developing an action plan to implement Resolution 59 of the Party Central Committee and Resolution 153 of the Government on international integration, preparing a proposal to address trade difficulties to boost exports, and diversify agricultural, forestry, and fisheries markets, thereby contributing to the sector’s overall objectives.

He also instructed a review of commitments under bilateral and multilateral mechanisms. "Each responsible officer must act as a focal point, thoroughly understanding the progress of cooperation, and proactively coordinating with relevant units to ensure tasks are carried out on schedule," the Deputy Minister directed.

Director General Nguyen Do Anh Tuan emphasized that in the second half of the year, the key objective will be to further promote trade facilitation, combined with free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations, to create favorable conditions for enterprises to remove technical barriers and boost exports to major markets such as China, the U.S., the European Union, Brazil, Japan, South Korea, and ASEAN.

In addition, priorities will include setting strategic directions for attracting foreign funding and strengthening cooperation with international donors. The Department will push forward the approval of the Sustainable Fisheries Development Project, the proposed technical infrastructure project to support the Sustainable Development of One Million Hectares of High Quality and Low-Emission Rice Associated with Green Growth in the Mekong River Delta By 2030 Project, and the Climate-Smart Agriculture Value Chain Project.