An overview of the press conference. — VNS Photo Tố Như

HÀ NỘI — Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phùng Đức Tiến has affirmed that over the past 80 years, the agriculture sector had become a leading exporter of rice, seafood, wood and coffee, contributing significantly to food security and sustainable economic development.

He made the statement at a press conference announcing activities to celebrate the 80th anniversary of National Day (September 2, 1945 – September 2, 2025) hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) on Monday afternoon in Hà Nội.

The agriculture and environment sector's booth at the 80-year Achievements Exhibition offered a multi-dimensional experience, honouring accomplishments and asserting its position in the green era, he said.

The environmental sector has also made remarkable achievements with a comprehensive legal system, effective resource management and climate change response.

During the resistance war, support effort for the Điện Biên Phủ battlefield was a matter of survival, requiring comprehensive coordination of manpower, food supplies, weapons and weather conditions to achieve a "world-shaking victory."

The spirit of "Not a single grain of rice missing, not a single soldier missing," along with the campaign "Going across Trường Sơn to save the country," demonstrated the nation's combined strength, leading the country to reunification.

In agriculture, Việt Nam has made historic breakthroughs: from having to import from two to three million tonnes of rice to exporting its first shipment in 1989.

Today, rice, seafood, wood, tea, coffee and fruits have asserted Việt Nam’s position on the global map.

In just the past year, Việt Nam exported over nine million tonnes of rice, ranked third worldwide in seafood exports, and became one of the leading wood exporters with turnover nearing US$17 billion.

Coffee cultivation, covering about 700,000ha with yields in some areas reaching up to four tonnes per hectare, has made Việt Nam a global coffee hub, especially in the Robusta, Arabica, and specialty coffee segments.

Even during the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic, agriculture proved its role as a pillar by ensuring food security for over 100 million people and maintaining exports.

This indicates the sector's huge potential and strengths, opening opportunities for sustainable development in the future.

Alongside economic development, the natural resources and environment sector has also achieved significant milestones. Việt Nam has enacted the Law on Environmental Protection, the Land Law, and various decrees and circulars aimed at effectively managing and utilising resources, minerals and land with a balance across three pillars: economy – society – environment.

Issues such as river pollution, solid waste, hazardous waste and urban waste are gradually being controlled through an increasingly complete legal framework.

These achievements reflected strong leadership from central to local levels and affirm the central role of farmers – the ‘commanders’ on the agricultural economic front, said the Deputy Minister.

From Resolution 19 to Decision 150, many policies on agriculture, rural areas, land, minerals, geology and environment have been concretised to maximise national potential, helping Việt Nam develop sustainably and confidently integrate deeply with the world.

Regarding the series of activities celebrating the 80th National Day (September 2, 1945 – 2025), Nguyễn Minh Tiến, Director of the Agricultural Trade Promotion Centre, said that within the framework of the National Achievements Exhibition at the National Exhibition Centre in Đông Anh, Hà Nội, the agriculture and environment sector will organise a specialised exhibition titled "80 Years of Development of Agriculture and Environment for National Prosperity and Sustainable Future," taking place from August 28 to September 5 at Hall 1, Kim Quy Building.

The exhibition is designed in five spaces: Origin and Development (1945-1986); Renovation and Integration (1986-2025); Environmental and Resource Protection; Future Vision – Green, High-Tech Agriculture; and International Exchange.

Alongside the exhibition, there will be an online version using VR/AR and 3D technology, providing a multi-dimensional experience for visitors.

In addition, at the Creative Space for Construction, the MAE will host a handicraft and one commune one product (OCOP) exhibition, consisting of five areas: Heritage journey, Contemporary creativity, Cultural interactions, Experience – Interaction, and Trade – Global connection.

The OCOP four-five star product promotion and connection activities will be conducted both in-person and online, utilising virtual reality technology.

Especially, TikTok Shop, in collaboration with the Agricultural Trade Promotion Centre, is implementing the digital communication campaign “Proud of Vietnamese agricultural products,” including a creative content contest, a promotional week, and five livestream sessions on OCOP, fruits, coffee – tea, rice and handicrafts.

A highlight is the combination of online sales with regional cultural storytelling, allowing consumers to shop while exploring traditional values.

The Agriculture and Environment Exhibition is a key event this year celebrating the 80th National Day and the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the Ministry of Husbandry – predecessor of the MAE.

The event not only showcases achievements in ensuring food security, building new rural areas, green transformation and resource protection but also honours cultural identity, handicraft excellence, contributing to elevating the national brand and promoting the image of a dynamic, sustainable and culturally rich Việt Nam. — VNS