Experts believe that rapid digital transformation is the best way for the Vietnamese agricultural sector to recover and develop in the post-pandemic period, affirming its role as a key pillar of the economy. Amid challenges from climate change, market fluctuations, and changes in consumption trends, the sector is required to increase the proportion of digital agriculture in the economy.
Meanwhile, the data-driven digital transformation in agriculture and agricultural management is expected to help boost the sector’s growth through better market forecasting and planning. The Deputy Foreign Minister, Bui Thanh Son, noted that facing the adverse impacts of COVID-19, businesses and farmers are fully aware of strengthening the application of smart and digital technologies to maintain stability in production and farm produce supply.
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Le Minh Hoan, stated that along with optimising advantages and local resources for the development of the multiple value agriculture and trademark building, Vietnam should build a data system and make its agricultural data and information more transparent to reach more markets and create a breakthrough for the sector. A representative from the Australian Business Association in Vietnam (Auscham) claimed that Australians are open to Vietnamese farm produce, which means the chance for Vietnam to export more agricultural products to the market is high.
According to a news report, currently, Vietnamese agricultural products are exported to many selective markets, and the Australian market is similar. However, for consumers in Australia, manufacturers in Vietnam need to build their own brand, with quality ensured, to win consumers’ confidence that Vietnamese products are safe and of high quality. To increase exports, closer coordination among ministries, sectors, and localities in strengthening digital transformation, trade promotion, and market connections is crucial.
However, many experts pointed to the need for Vietnam to focus more on preparing high-quality human resources. Many Vietnamese farmers are hesitant to renovate their cultivation practices and approach new farming techniques. The government needs to focus on developing digital agriculture while strengthening communication with farmers to help them understand the benefit of the process and equip them with more knowledge and skills in conducting online transactions.
Recently, OpenGov Asia reported that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) wants to finish linking 100% of its administrative procedures to the National Single Window (NSW) system in the first quarter of 2022. To carry out the national and ASEAN single-window mechanisms, MARD has connected 29 of the 33 administrative procedures at its subordinate units and granted digital licences to over 1.4 million dossiers via the NSW. In terms of administrative reform, in 2021, the Ministry updated and publicised 119 administrative procedures on the National Public Service Portal, abolished 58 others, and simplified three procedures related to natural disaster prevention and control. It proposed 429 of the 2,559 regulations on business activities be removed or simplified while reducing nearly VND219 billion (US$9.6 million), or 13.2%, of the compliance cost related to business activities.
In 2022, the Ministry plans to handle administrative procedures online to enhance transparency and save time and costs. It would deal with people and businesses’ opinions about problems related to the mechanisms, policies, and procedures within its remit online and overhaul the institutional system on agriculture and rural development.
