Acting Minister Tran Duc Thang meets with units in the Southern region

The meeting aimed to grasp the realities of operations, listen to grassroots-level recommendations, and promote renewed governance thinking and strengthened regional linkages for sustainable agricultural development. This activity reflects the Ministry's close attention to a region considered strategically vital for agricultural production, particularly in fisheries, fruit, rice, and food processing.

The session also served as an important opportunity for dialogue, understanding actual operational conditions, and enhancing coordination between regional units and the Ministry.

At the meeting, the Southern Office of the Ministry presented a report summarizing organizational and professional activities, highlighting their role in connecting scientific research, training, and practical application, and pointing out difficulties in coordination mechanisms and human and financial resources.

According to Associate Professor Dr. Huynh Quyen, President of Ho Chi Minh City University of Natural Resources and Environment: "As a key training institution for agriculture and environment in the South, the university has been actively strengthening ties with research institutes, centers, and localities in applied research, practical training, and technology transfer.

However, to meet growing practical demands, we hope the Ministry will create more favorable conditions for our participation in large-scale projects, expand opportunities for international cooperation, and support investment in advanced infrastructure for high-tech training."

Also speaking at the meeting, Mr. Nguyen Dinh Tung, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, stated: "Southern units are currently leading in fresh fruit and vegetable exports. However, there is still a lack of close coordination between regulatory agencies, businesses, and local authorities. We hope the Ministry will introduce more flexible mechanisms to help agricultural products meet high standards, accelerate the issuance of planting area codes, enable traceability, and expand market access."

In his directive remarks, Acting Minister Tran Duc Thang acknowledged the southern units' efforts, responsibility, and significant contributions. He emphasized that the region has great potential and must be pioneering in digital transformation, high-tech applications, climate change adaptation, and enhanced regional connectivity for sustainable agricultural production.

"The South is a strategic agricultural production center, especially in aquaculture, fruit, rice, and processing. The Ministry recognizes that units in the region are not just 'extended arms' but central hubs for coordinating innovative initiatives and advanced development models. I encourage all units to proactively propose pilot programs, promote green and digital transformation, and strengthen collaboration with local governments and businesses," the Acting Minister stressed.

He also highlighted the need to reform management thinking, streamline administrative procedures, and empower regional units to take greater initiative in proposing policies and implementing local projects.

Following the address, participants discussed future directions, focusing on enhancing research and training effectiveness, streamlining coordination processes, and expanding collaboration with localities and enterprises.

The working session reflected the Ministry leadership's close attention and affirmed the strategic importance of the southern region in realizing the goal of developing a modern, sustainable, and future-ready agriculture and environment sector.