Vietnam a critical player in shaping future of Asia agriculture: DLG Asia Pacific exec

Vietnam's growing focus on mechanization, smart farming, and sustainable practices makes the country surely a critical player in shaping the future of agriculture in Asia, said Katharina Staske, managing director of DLG Asia Pacific.

Staske made the statement at HortEx Vietnam 2025, a fruit and vegetable fair, in Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday.

DLG (German Agricultural Society) Asia Pacific organizes trade fairs and events in the fields of agriculture and food technology and conducts tests of foods-beverages, agricultural machinery-equipment, and farm inputs,

Staske said that Vietnam has consistently demonstrated strong agricultural performance, being among the world's top exporters of rice, coffee, pepper, cashew nuts, and a variety of fruits and vegetables.

The agriculture sector contributes around 14% of Vietnam’s GDP and employs nearly 40% of the workforce. The government's drive for sustainable agriculture, digital transformation, and the one-million-hectare rice program showcases the country’s potential to lead agricultural innovation in the region.

"Vietnam sits at a strategic crossroads, not only as an agricultural powerhouse but also as a gateway to Southeast Asia, a region with over 650 million people and tremendous growth potential," she added.

In 2022, DLG organized AGRITECHNICA ASIA, an agriculture exhibition, in Can Tho city in collaboration with organizations in Vietnam.

"That event was a breakthrough - it showcased live machinery demonstrations on the field, with over 4,000 visitors,” Staske said.

Last year, DLG met with Vice Minister of Agriculture and Environment Tran Thanh Nam. "His vision for Vietnam's agricultural sector, along with his collaborative spirit, truly reinforced our belief that bringing AGRITECHNICA ASIA to Vietnam was the right decision."

Daniel Coenraad Stork, consul general of the Netherlands in HCMC, said that horticulture is one of the most promising sectors of the Vietnamese economy.

In recent years, Vietnam has become a leader in exporting fruits to key markets. In 2024, Vietnam’s exports of fruits and vegetables to the EU reached $7.15 billion, reinforcing the country's place as a key supplier to one of the most demanding markets.

As the global population continues to rise, demand for fresh produce will also grow, creating exciting opportunities for Vietnamese horticultural products. However, with evolving demands around sustainability and product traceability and strict requirements of export markets, Vietnam's horticulture sector must continue to innovate to meet these new standards, said Daniel Coenraad Stork.

At the event, Deputy Minister Tran Thanh Nam expressed his hope that the exhibition would serve as a driving force for innovation, helping connect manufacturers and distributors with farmers, promoting mechanization and supporting sustainable agricultural development.

"I hope that both the workshop and the exhibition will not only help businesses and farmers recognize the importance of applying technology to increase productivity and add value, but also promote sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, this event will foster creativity and innovation in agriculture, opening up opportunities for talent and intellectual development," he said.

Despite facing many challenges, the deputy minister noted that Vietnam’s agricultural sector has achieved positive results, with GDP growing by 3.3% in 2024 and agricultural exports exceeding $62 billion.

The sector is undergoing a significant transformation, shifting toward an agricultural economic model that incorporates high-tech solutions to boost value and ensure sustainable growth.

The HortEx Vietnam 2025 runs from March 12 to 14 and is expected to attract over 15,000 trade visitors from 30 countries and territories. Alongside international companies, the event will also welcome business delegations and cooperatives from 16 key provinces and cities, including Can Tho, Lam Dong, and Tien Giang.

In addition to the exhibition space, HortEx Vietnam 2025 will host several specialized seminars to showcase emerging trends, a trade connection program (B2B Matching Program), and an export consulting area. These initiatives will provide crucial support for expanding markets and promoting exports.

As part of the event, the Association of Vietnamese Retailers (AVR) and the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (Vinafruit) signed an MOU to strengthen the connection between retail and fruit and vegetable production and supply.

This agreement aims to enhance the supply chain, improve the quality and competitiveness, and support the sustainable development of Vietnam’s fruit, vegetable, and flower industries.