Alongside efforts to restructure production and improve product quality, economic diplomacy has played an increasingly important role in expanding export markets and integrating Vietnamese agricultural products more deeply into global supply chains.
Amid global trade disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions, rising protectionism and tighter standards, the continued growth of Vietnam’s agriculture, forestry and fishery exports stands out as a notable achievement.
A key driver has been the proactive and effective implementation of economic diplomacy. Draft documents for the 14th national party congress identify external affairs as a “key and regular” task, with agriculture and the environment positioned as a central pillar of economic diplomacy aligned with national strategies.
According to deputy minister of foreign affairs Le Thi Thu Hang, economic diplomacy is regarded as a leading strategic pillar by the foreign ministry. On that basis, the ministry has worked closely with the ministry of agriculture and environment, local authorities and businesses to promote the integration of Vietnamese agriculture into global supply chains while expanding and diversifying export markets.
One highlight in recent years has been the implementation of a project to strengthen cooperation in building and developing the halal industry through to 2030. In 2025, the project delivered positive results, opening several new markets, particularly in the Middle East and Africa, and creating more sustainable growth prospects for Vietnamese agriculture.
Beyond trade, cooperation between the two ministries has extended to implementing international commitments on climate change, environmental protection and biodiversity. Hang said fulfilling these commitments has not only reinforced Vietnam’s international credibility but also helped the country access new technologies and mobilise international resources to support green and sustainable agricultural development.
Results in 2025 reflected these efforts. Of total agriculture, forestry and fishery export turnover exceeding USD 70 billion, several product groups recorded strong growth. Fruit and vegetable exports reached USD 8.6 billion, up nearly 20 per cent year on year, underscoring the sector’s strong momentum driven by market expansion and partner diversification.
Nguyen Thanh Binh, chairman of the Vietnam fruit and vegetable association, said the association had stepped up efforts to connect member enterprises with localities and raw material zones. These initiatives strengthened linkages between exporters, producers, farmers and cooperatives.
Trade promotion activities, including participation in international fairs and exhibitions, were also carried out effectively, helping businesses reach new markets and customers. At the same time, the association focused on guiding enterprises and producers to comply with regulations and importing market standards, enhancing the reputation of Vietnamese produce and reducing export violations.
Based on these foundations, the association forecasts fruit and vegetable exports could reach USD 10 billion in 2026, provided product quality continues to improve, traceability systems are completed and promotion efforts are strengthened.
Tran Cong Thang, director of the institute of policy and strategy for agriculture and environment, said that although the US applied certain reciprocal tariff measures to Vietnamese goods in 2025, including agricultural products, exports to the market still recorded growth. This reflected the ability of Vietnamese enterprises to adapt by restructuring products, adjusting market strategies and leveraging trade preferences.
Alongside major markets such as the US, China and the EU, Vietnamese agricultural products are now exported to nearly 200 countries and territories, including high-standard markets such as Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and the Middle East.
However, continued reliance on a limited number of key markets for certain products highlights the need for further diversification. Expanding cooperation with regions such as Africa, south Asia and Latin America would help reduce dependency risks and strengthen supply chain resilience.
Minister of agriculture and environment Tran Duc Thang said the ministry is focusing on removing barriers related to market access, technical standards and traceability, while intensifying efforts to expand export markets and diversify partners. He stressed that export growth must be measured not only by volume but also by quality, branding and value.
Official overseas visits by ministry leaders to Japan, the Republic of Korea, France, China, Europe and Africa are aimed at expanding cooperation and attracting resources, technology and advanced management expertise, with each trip required to translate into concrete programmes and projects.
In 2025, Vietnam signed five protocols with China covering exports of chilli peppers, passion fruit, rice bran, raw bird’s nests and fresh jackfruit. According to Thang, these agreements expand the list of products eligible for official export while improving stability and transparency, strengthening confidence among farmers and enterprises to produce in line with standards and value chain linkages.
