HCMCity (VNA) - Demand for agricultural products is increasing whileresources needed for farming are shrinking, and this provides young people withthe opportunity to start up businesses that offer advanced solutions andinnovative projects to increase productivity and quality, heard a forum in HCMCity on March 23.

TranTan Quy, deputy director of the city Department of Agriculture and Rural Development,told the Agricultural Startup Forum that the city’s agricultural productionmeets just 30 percent of its 10 million populace’s demand.

Thisshortfall offers businesses a good opportunity for enhancing production, hesaid.

Thecity is focused on developing businesses, and the forum was among the solutionsto promote start-ups in the farm sector, he said.

Organisedjointly with the Business Studies and Assistance Centre (BSA), it aimed to helpstudents, young entrepreneurs and people with small businesses figure out newprojects and initiatives and exchange ideas with experts and successfulagricultural businesses, he said.

NguyenLam Vien, chairman and general director of Vinamit Joint Stock Company, saidyoung people should research the market to see what is in demand and clearlydifferentiate their products to attract customers.

Demandfor products that are good for health, beauty and longevity has been on theincrease globally, including Vietnam, providing an opportunity for start-ups,he said.

Hesaid start-ups should research into non-chemical agricultural methods to createbreakthroughs and grow safer products while protecting the environment.

NguyenKhac Minh Tri, CEO of Mimosa Tek, said start-ups need to identify their targetcustomers before launching their products.

Youngbusiness executives at the forum agreed that finding a good team is veryimportant for a start-up.

“Ifwe have a good start-up idea but not a good team to execute it, we will find ithard to succeed.”

Besidesideas and people, the other important factors for a start-up are strategy,vision and cash.

Besidesthe Government, many organisations and successful businesses like BSA, theHi-tech Agricultural Business Incubator and Startup Vietnam Foundation supportyoung people and students who want to begin start-ups.

VuKim Anh, director of BSA, said it has organised programmes to help start-upsmake business plans, solicit investment and promote consumption of theirproducts.

Morethan 400 youths and owners of small businesses in HCM City and elsewhereparticipated in the forum, which also featured an exhibition of agriculturalproducts and smart agricultural control systems.-VNA