ODA funds prioritized for rural infrastructure, disaster mitigation, and forest restoration

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) has outlined a Sustainable Agriculture Development Strategy for 2021-2030, with a vision extending to 2050.

The strategy shifts the focus from "agricultural production" to "agricultural economy", emphasising increased value, efficiency, and diversification. It prioritises green development through ecological, organic, and circular approaches, reducing carbon emissions to enhance quality and competitiveness.

The strategy prioritizes the use of Official Development Assistance (ODA) and concessional loans to invest in rural infrastructure, irrigation, disaster prevention, fisheries, rural sanitation and water supply, and forest regeneration and sustainable forest management.

"Our goal is to build a modern, high-productivity, high-quality, sustainable, and highly competitive agricultural commodity production sector," stated Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Le Minh Hoan.

"Simultaneously, we aim to protect the environment, adapt to climate change, and reduce emissions. Therefore, cooperation with international partners is crucial and multifaceted, requiring not only financial resources but also substantial technical assistance and capacity building for future development."

Minister Hoan highlighted the challenges posed by decreasing ODA and concessional loan availability, coupled with insufficient government budget allocation for MARD's tasks.

He stressed the need to prioritize the use of ODA and concessional loans for the agriculture and rural development sector during 2026-2030.

Mr. Nguyen Do Anh Tuan, Director of the International Cooperation Department at MARD, revealed that the sector requires approximately $2.16 billion in foreign capital (ODA) for public investment during 2026-2030.

This includes an estimated $161 million in carry-over funds for projects initiated in 2021-2025 and expected to be completed and commissioned during 2026-2030, and approximately $2 billion allocated for projects currently under preparation for the 2026-2030 period.