Vietnam’s agriculture and environment sector is prioritizing decisive measures to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUU), as part of broader efforts to meet international recommendations and sustain export growth.

On April 2, 2026, Minister Tran Duc Thang and Standing Deputy Minister Trinh Viet Hung chaired the first-quarter review and second-quarter task deployment conference of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. The meeting was held in both in-person and online formats, with participation from ministry leaders and affiliated agencies.

At the conference, the ministry identified key priorities aimed at creating breakthroughs across the sector. Institutional reform remains a top focus, with accelerated development and submission of major legislative projects, including amendments to the Environmental Protection Law, Land Law, and the Law on Marine and Island Resources and Environment.

In parallel, the ministry will develop new policy frameworks aligned with the upcoming government term, streamline administrative structures, and promote financial autonomy among public service units. Public investment disbursement will also be accelerated, with increased accountability for leadership at all levels.

Another notable priority is the implementation of major central government resolutions, particularly those aimed at unlocking resources for science and technology, fostering innovation, and advancing digital transformation across the sector.

The sector will continue restructuring toward higher value-added production, stronger supply chain linkages, and expanded market access, including through e-commerce channels. Within this framework, stricter enforcement against IUU fishing will be a central task to ensure compliance with international standards.

At the same time, management of natural resources and environmental protection will be strengthened, particularly in ensuring material supply for key infrastructure projects, controlling pollution, and monitoring high-risk projects.

The ministry also emphasized enhanced food safety inspections, seed management, forest protection, and wildfire prevention, ensuring comprehensive fulfillment of state management responsibilities.

In the context of increasingly complex domestic and global conditions, ministry leadership stressed the need to strengthen discipline, accountability, and administrative efficiency, alongside innovation in governance and management approaches.

Promoting a proactive, innovative mindset and a willingness to take responsibility was identified as a key factor for overcoming challenges, seizing opportunities, and maintaining sustainable growth.

In the first quarter of 2026, the agriculture and environment sector maintained positive growth despite challenges, with an estimated growth rate of 3.5–3.7%. Agricultural, forestry, and fishery production remained stable, while exports continued to be a bright spot.

Total export turnover of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products reached an estimated USD 16.69 billion, up 5.9% year-on-year. Meanwhile, imports totaled USD 11.9 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of approximately USD 4.78 billion, an increase of 12% compared with the same period in 2025.

Source: VnEconomy