Topic: livestock industry

Vietnam’s livestock farming has rapidly developed with the average growth rate of between 5 - 7% annually.

Industry needs to better control waste and cut carbon dioxide emissions as it develops, Deputy Minister tells conference.

350 domestic and foreign enterprises expected to attend HCMC event.

Significant public concern exists about the illegal importation of buffalos and cattle fed banned substances to help with weight gain.

Vietnam has earned just $361 million this year from exporting poultry and eggs but spent up to $3 billion on importing livestock products.

While the number of livestock farmers has fallen sharply due to losses over recent years, FDI enterprises are still expanding their livestock activities in Vietnam and now dominate in pork and chicken. Figures from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development show that of the more than 300 FDI projects in the agriculture, forestry and fishery sector in the first eight months of this year, 81 were in livestock and had significant capital.

Livestock production still faces many difficulties and ocean fishing has declined due to rising fuel prices. One bright spot in the agriculture sector is aquaculture, which has grown positively due to an increase in demand and rising export prices for key aquatic products. The exploitation of timber and forestry products has also been notable.