WB helps promote Vietnamese agricultural brand names

Sergiy Zorya, a WB expert, said Vietnam has witnessed a slowdown in agricultural growth, and attributed it to impacts of climate change and raw agricultural product export.

Vietnam targets to develop agricultural brand names to create more jobs and raise income, he said, suggesting that Vietnam reduce production cost and enhance product values.

He emphasised the formation of a supply chain of farmers, enterprises, the State and banks for the development of Vietnam’s agriculture.

The expert highlighted regional countries’ experience in identifying their products on the international market, saying that Thailand chooses five to six commercial rice varieties for continuous production while Vietnam uses a wide range of rice varieties, which is difficult for developing a brand name.

He also stressed the need for applying environmentally-friendly technology in growing rice, and called for a closer cooperation with the Vietnamese embassies to promote their agricultural products overseas.

Participants discussed measures to enhance the sector’s competitiveness, such as investing in the supply-demand chain, developing seeds market, expanding agricultural land, particularly large-scale cultivation and ensuring food safety. 

According to the WB, Vietnam’s annual agricultural growth dropped to 2.6 percent in 2008 – 2013, from 4.5 percent in 1994 – 2000, and 3.3 percent in 2001 - 2007.

Vietnam should make changes in agricultural land use by shifting rice growing areas which are affected by salt to aquaculture or other crops to promote export and improve product quality and value.

More support should be provided for developing ecotourism in coastal areas while focusing on preserving the ecosystem.