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| Seafood export value had reached 8.33 billion USD of October 2024, a 12% increase year-on-year. (Photo: VNA) |
As of October 2024, seafood export value had reached 8.33 billion USD, a 12% increase year-on-year. October alone witnessed a remarkable 1.1 billion USD in exports, the first time in 27 months that the monthly figure surpassed 1 billion USD, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
The US, China, and Japan remain the top destinations for Vietnamese aquatic products, but the industry's global reach is expanding rapidly.
To fuel this growth, the Vietnamese Government has directed the expansion of preferential credit for the forestry and fishery sectors. With funding scaled up to about 50-60 trillion VND (2-2.4 billion USD), this initiative ensures enterprises have access to low-interest loans, bolstering their operations and growth.
In another strategic move, the National Programme for the Protection and Development of Fisheries Resources through 2030 was approved. It focuses on conserving and regenerating aquatic resources, securing the sustainable development of Vietnam's fishery industry for years to come.
Beyond entry into free trade agreements, Vietnamese seafood companies also benefit from embracing technological advancements in farming and processing. These strides highlight the sector's commitment to improving competitiveness and affirming its growing influence on the international stage.
Hanoi welcomes 2024 International Food Festival - a celebration of culinary unity
The 2024 International Food Festival, themed "Gastronomy of Unity," opened its doors in Hanoi on December 8, said the Vietnam News Agency.
The event saw the presence of Ngo Phuong Ly, spouse of Party General Secretary To Lam; Vu Thi Bich Ngoc, spouse of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and Honorary President of the ASEAN Women's Circle in Hanoi (AWCH); Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Hang; and Pauline Tamesis, UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam.
In her opening speech, Ngoc said since 2014, the event has established itself as a meaningful brand, becoming a hallmark of cultural, culinary and diplomatic exchange with the participation of many embassies, foreign cultural centres, localities' departments of foreign affairs, businesses, sponsors and agencies from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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| Delegates visit a booth at the event (Photo: VNA) |
The event not only showcases Vietnam's rich culture and people to international friends but also serves as a platform for domestic businesses to introduce their brands, products and services, she said.
According to her, this year's festival, the 11th event of its kind, features an impressive lineup of 40 embassies, international organisations, foreign affairs departments, and domestic businesses, with over 130 booths. Each dish and music performance offers a glimpse into the culinary essence and rich traditional values of nations worldwide.
Proceeds from the previous editions have been used to support orphaned children, the disabled, poor women, and those facing difficult circumstances across the country, she said.
Pauline Tamesis said beyond its culinary significance, this event is an opportunity to strengthen international cooperation and share thoughts on growing global challenges, such as the transformation of agricultural and food systems and future food security.
The UN in Vietnam will continue accompanying the Vietnamese Government and relevant stakeholders to tackle these issues, she said.
At the opening ceremony, the delegates presented insignias and letters of thanks to representatives of the sponsors and booths.
Vietnam grimly determined to strive for 8% growth in 2025
Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Tran Quoc Phuong has underlined Vietnam’s high determination to achieve the 8% growth target in 2025 as a big step for the country to enter a new era, the era of the nation’s rise, Radio the Voice of Vietnam reported.
At a monthly regular cabinet meeting held in Hanoi on December 7, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Tran Quoc Phuong said that most forecasts from international organizations have adjusted the nation's growth rate in a more positive direction.
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| Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Tran Quoc Phuong speaks at the meeting. (Photo: VOV) |
In the socio-economic management scenario that the Ministry of Planning and Investment reported to the Government, in the fourth quarter of 2024, if there are no major fluctuations or negative impacts from the external market, Vietnam is likely to achieve a growth rate of 7% for the whole year of 2024.
Economic growth drivers are all quite positive, with relatively good export signals and businesses receiving more orders.
Investment also showed positive signs, contributing greatly to economic growth in 2024. In terms of consumption, Phuong said that recently there has been a lot of information about the "invasion" of shopping on e-commerce platforms by foreign companies, but in general, consumption of goods remains positive with growing demand for shopping during the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays.
Regarding the tourism sector, according to statistics, there was an increase in tourists coming to Vietnam in November 2024, but there are still 2 million more visitors to achieve this year's target of 18 million, thus requiring the tourism sectors to make greater efforts, he emphasized.
The Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment affirmed that with the great efforts of all levels and sectors in the final month of the year, alongside the solutions proposed at the beginning of the year, the annual growth target of 7% is achievable, and even at a higher level.
Phuong emphasized said greater efforts are need to achieve a growth target of 6.5 - 7% set for 2025 by the National Assembly.
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| Vietnam grimly determined to strive for 8% growth in 2025 – Photo for illustration (Source: vneconomy.vn) |
With fundamental changes in 2025, especially breakthrough thinking in refining institutions, removing difficulties in administrative procedures from laws adopted at the 8th session of the 15th legislature, there will be more resources to make great contributions to next year's growth target.
"We have the foundation to achieve the set target, as there is a continuation of the good growth momentum in 2024. With high determination, the Government has set a growth target of 8% in 2025, which is viewed as a step for us to be ready to enter a new era, the era of the nation's rise. To achieve the noble goals of the Party and State, the economic growth target is a very important task," the Deputy Minister emphasized.
Vietnamese Pho takes centre stage at South Africa's culinary
Organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in the African country in collaboration with Vietnamese representative offices in the nation, the event aimed at introducing the quintessence of the Vietnamese cuisine to international communities, said the Vietnam News Agency.
The staff of the embassy and representative offices, dressed in the attire that featured the national flag and colourful conical leaf hats, served nearly 400 portions of beef and chicken noodle soup, together with 1,000 spring rolls and Vietnamese coffee. All of the offerings were free of charge.
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| At the second Vietnamese Pho Day (Photo: VNA) |
An array of Vietnamese products were also on display at the event, including rice, confectionery, and instant noodles.
Coming to the celebration, local people were not only treated to a feast of Vietnamese cuisine but also cultural experience. Keith Dali said this was the first time he tried Vietnamese food and it truly made him want to visit Vietnam. Meanwhile, Zuné Naudé saw the event as a chance to experience different cultures and meet such warm and welcoming Vietnamese people.
Venezuelan Ambassador Carlos Feo Acevedo said transcending mere food tasting, the event promoted friendship as everyone shared the joyful spirit of the Vietnamese people./.