At a chilled pork processing line in Hà Nam Province. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam is ramping up efforts to increase its livestock product exports, targeting a value of US$1-1.5 billion by 2025.

With a robust start to the year, exports hit $240 million in the first half, marking a 3.8 per cent annual increase, as reported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Processed meat products are leading the pack, with fresh, chilled, and frozen pork following closely behind.

Việt Nam's processed chicken meat has already made inroads into Japan, Hong Kong (China), five countries within the Eurasian Economic Union, and Mongolia.

The country has secured significant wins, including export licenses for dairy and bird's nest products to China. Now, the Department of Animal Health (DAH) is actively pursuing expanded market access for these and other livestock products, and engaging in negotiations with the Republic of Korea, Singapore, the EU, the UK and the Middle East.

DAH Director Nguyễn Văn Long revealed ongoing talks with the Republic of Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety to finalise food safety conditions for poultry products.

Major industry players like Masan, C.P. Việt Nam, Koyu & Unitek, Japfa, De Heus, and GreenFeed are also investing heavily in disease-free zones and state-of-the-art processing facilities.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phùng Đức Tiến said the agriculture sector aims for comprehensive, efficient, and sustainable livestock development that adapts to climate change through industrialisation and modernisation. This approach focuses on integrating value chains, circular economy principles to enhance added value and ensure biosecurity, disease control, and food safety.

Diversifying export markets and tapping into new opportunities, such as the Halal market, is crucial for boosting overall exports and specifically enhancing the export of livestock products, Tiến added. — VNS