Hanoi (VNA) – The agriculture ministry has devisedmeasures to turn Vietnam into one of the world’s most 15 developed countries interms of agriculture by 2030, and among the top 10 farm produce processing hubs.

This is the goal set in the Prime Minister’sDirective No. 25/CT-TTg on several tasks and solutions for developingagro-forestry-fishery processing and agricultural mechanisation.

Talking to the Vietnam News Agency, Nguyen QuocToan, Director of the Agro Processing and Market Development Authority(AgroTrade) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD),said over the last 10 years, the processing industry has posted a considerablegrowth rate of 5-7 percent annually, helping to raise agricultural exports to41.2 billion USD in 2019 – ranking 15th in the world and second in SoutheastAsia.

There are 7,500 businesses involved inagricultural processing across the country at present.

However, he noted, to achieve the target set inthe directive, the processing industry must optimise local comparative advantagesand tap into potential to make breakthrough development.

Firstly, processing facilities should berelocated to concentrated material supplying areas. Clusters of processing andsale facilities need to be developed in the localities and areas with largeagricultural output, favourable conditions in terms of transports, logisticsand workforce, and potential to become growth engines of their regions like theMekong Delta, southeastern and northwestern regions.

The sector will also increase the proportion ofintensive processing that generates high added value, Toan said.

Secondly, an open and optimal business climatewill be created to facilitate investment in agricultural processing andmechanisation, the official noted, adding that the ministry will continue abolishingunnecessary administrative procedures and business conditions while perfectingspecific investment attraction policies for each region.

Thirdly, international-level enterprises withhigh competitiveness will be developed to lead the domestic processingindustry. Small- and medium-sized firms also need to be fostered to boost thepurchase of raw farm produce, according to him.

Fourthly, the agricultural sector will step updeveloping science-technology and human resources, he went on, elaborating thatmore advanced and environmentally friendly technologies will be applied, andmechanical engineering companies will be encouraged to help with agriculturalmechanisation, thereby forming smart farming models.

The MARD will also work with other ministriesand sectors to develop human resources to prepare high-quality personnel foroperating major processing plants, Toan added./.