Digital shift seen as key to expanding markets for Vietnamese agriculture

At the September 18 “Forum on Digital Transformation and Innovation in Agriculture and Environmental Protection” in Hanoi, officials and experts stressed that digital trade promotion is becoming a critical requirement for Vietnamese farm exports.

Nguyen Kim Phuc, Deputy Director of the Department of Digital Transformation (Ministry of Agriculture and Environment), noted that Vietnam currently has about 290 high-tech agricultural enterprises (just 3% of the total), 690 high-tech farming zones, and nearly 2,000 cooperatives applying modern technologies. While the ratio remains modest, the figures show significant room for growth.

Smart mechanization is on the rise, with around 3,000 drones now used in farming, while blockchain and IoT are enabling traceability systems with QR codes and planting area codes for export products. However, weak rural telecom infrastructure, limited broadband coverage, and an aging farming workforce remain major hurdles to widespread adoption.

Nguyen Minh Tien, Director of the Center for Trade Promotion and Agriculture, said traditional methods such as fairs and exhibitions have contributed positively but are increasingly constrained by high costs, limited reach and poor measurability. In contrast, businesses now demand faster, smarter, personalized, and round-the-clock solutions needs only digital platforms can deliver.

“Digital trade promotion is not just a policy orientation, but a direct response to real-world pressures. Combining digital and traditional methods can expand market access and enhance competitiveness, with lower costs and real-time feedback,” Mr. Nguyen Minh Tien said.

Building a connected digital ecosystem for agriculture

Despite progress, digital transformation in trade promotion remains fragmented. Most cooperatives and producers still manage operations traditionally, lack basic equipment, and face barriers in investment costs. At the management level, weak data infrastructure, outdated policies, and fragmented legal frameworks hinder progress.

Experts highlighted the need for synchronized solutions across institutions, infrastructure and human resources. Key priorities include: improving digital literacy among farmers, expanding broadband and 4G/5G coverage nationwide, developing an open agricultural data ecosystem with unified standards, and fostering public-private partnerships to support agri-tech startups.

Applying AI, blockchain and big data in trade promotion, coupled with stronger international cooperation, is seen as crucial to ensure transparency and boost competitiveness of Vietnamese farm products.

Nguyen Minh Tien, Director of the Center for Trade and Agriculture Promotion, warned that in the context of deeper global integration, technical standards, traceability and environmental certifications are becoming “mandatory passports” for exports. Without a dedicated digital trade promotion platform for agriculture and environment, Vietnam risks falling behind as fragmented traditional methods fail to meet rising global demands.