In a significant ceremony held in Hà Nội on Wednesday, Party General Secretary Tô Lâm addressed delegates marking the 80th anniversary of agriculture and environment administration and the inaugural Patriotic Emulation Congress. His remarks underscored the critical role of the agriculture and environment sector in Việt Nam’s future development, emphasizing the need for institutional and technological advancements to drive a science and innovation-led economy.
The ceremony, attended by high-ranking officials and sector representatives, celebrated the sector’s achievements over the past eight decades. Minister of Agriculture and Environment Trần Đức Thắng highlighted the sector’s progress in integrating natural resource management, environmental protection, green growth, and climate adaptation into its development strategies. The recent merger of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, approved by the 15th National Assembly, marks a historic step towards meeting the demands of modern, sustainable growth. The newly formed Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has already begun consolidating its operations to ensure effective governance.
Party General Secretary Tô Lâm commended the sector’s contributions and acknowledged the challenges it faces, including resource depletion, pollution, climate change, and structural constraints in rural economies. He outlined six key priorities for the sector to address these challenges and drive sustainable development. These priorities include institutional reform, with a focus on incorporating Party resolutions into law and improving legislation on land, water resources, minerals, and environmental management. He stressed the importance of maintaining land as a special national asset under unified State management.
Science and technology emerged as another critical area, with Lâm emphasizing the need for innovation in agricultural production, from breeding to biotechnology, automation, and digital trade. He called for stronger collaboration among scientists, enterprises, cooperatives, and farmers to promote sustainable and efficient agricultural development. Resource and ecosystem management were also highlighted, with a focus on planning, conservation, pollution control, and climate resilience, particularly in vulnerable regions like the Mekong Delta and coastal areas.
Administrative reform and resource mobilization were identified as essential for removing bureaucratic bottlenecks and eliminating overlaps in land and environmental management. Lâm encouraged decentralization, accountability, and the mobilization of private investment in green agriculture, renewable energy, and circular economy projects. He also stressed the importance of agricultural restructuring towards ecological and high-value production, promoting national brands and access to global markets.
Workforce development was another key priority, with a focus on building a professional civil service and improving training for experts in agricultural economics, resource management, environmental science, and climate studies. During the event, Lâm presented the First-Class Labour Order to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, recognizing its outstanding contributions and reaffirming its role in advancing Việt Nam’s green and sustainable future.
The implications of these priorities are far-reaching. By refining institutions and policies, the sector can create a strategic foundation for Việt Nam’s next stage of development. Embracing science, technology, and innovation will drive efficiency and sustainability in agricultural production, while effective resource and ecosystem management will ensure the preservation of natural assets for future generations. Administrative reforms and resource mobilization will enhance the sector’s capacity to address emerging challenges and seize new opportunities. Ultimately, these efforts will contribute to building a green, prosperous, and sustainable Việt Nam, capable of meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving global landscape.