Agriculture in Ba Ria – Vung Tau and the logistics ecosystem

In pursuit of industrialization and modernization of rural areas, Ba Ria – Vung Tau has been directing its agricultural development towards the use of high technology (HTA). The technologies being applied include greenhouse farming, net houses, advanced water-saving irrigation systems combined with automatic nutrient control, hydroponics, sensor-based temperature and humidity monitoring, and solar energy utilization.

Implementing Project 04-DA/TU on HTA agricultural development for the 2020-2025 period, the Agriculture and Rural Development sector in Ba Ria – Vung Tau province has set objectives to establish and operate seven HTA agricultural zones, with 30% of products sold through contracts by 2030, aiming for 50%. They also aim to develop over 50% of qualified HTA enterprises, increase production value and income, and attract investments in high-tech agricultural production, targeting a share of over 50% of the province's agricultural production value by 2025.

It is noteworthy that Ba Ria – Vung Tau is seeing a growing number of pioneering companies engaged in HTA, adhering to Global GAP standards and achieving promising results. A prime example is the Agriculture, Trade, and Tourism Joint Stock Company Bau May. Despite being relatively new to the market, Bau May’s products have not only captured the domestic market but have also been exported to Japan, South Korea, and China. On average, the company introduces over 200 tons of various products to the market each year. Other products such as cashews, coffee, and cocoa are also diversifying to meet market demands. Particularly, roasted cashews and cashew oil from Ba Ria – Vung Tau province have gained stable consumption in the provinces and cities of the Southeast and Central regions, as well as export markets like the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, the Netherlands, China, and Taiwan.

In addition to the main agricultural products, various fruit trees such as cantaloupes, green-skinned pomelos, longan, custard apples, and bananas are also experiencing significant growth. Companies that emphasize production according to VietGAP standards have been able to establish their positions in the market, attracting the attention and large orders from distributors within and outside the province.

Beyond agricultural products, handicrafts such as wooden, bamboo, rattan, and seashell products are also experiencing robust development. These products come in attractive designs and diverse varieties, with stable production volumes, catering to orders from domestic businesses as well as export markets.

In recent years, Ba Ria – Vung Tau province has been actively promoting trade and connectivity to create the most favorable conditions for businesses both within and outside the province. This effort aims to facilitate access to resources, seek opportunities for market expansion, support brand promotion, expand distribution channels, increase market share, and access significant domestic and international markets. These strategic steps are part of the province's commitment to building a sustainable agricultural sector.

Thanks to stable production and product quality, a well-connected transportation network, and increasing market demand, Ba Ria – Vung Tau has substantial potential for trade promotion.

Recently, in response to the directive from the Provincial People's Committee in Document No. 8563/UBND-VP dated July 5, 2023, regarding the coordination of the "OCOP Product and Local Specialty Exhibition Week" to be held in Ho Chi Minh City in October 2023, the Investment, Trade, and Tourism Promotion Center issued Plan No. 21/KH-TTXTĐTTMDL on August 4, 2023, outlining specific activities.

The program aims to support enterprises and cooperatives in promoting, exhibiting, and introducing OCOP (One Commune, One Product) products, traditional handicrafts, local specialty products, and outstanding local products to domestic consumers and international markets. At the same time, it provides favorable conditions for enterprises and production units in the province to exchange, promote, and explore outstanding branded products and seek opportunities for cooperation, leading to trade agreements, integration into regional and international value chains.

Recognizing the importance of product branding and intellectual property rights, the leadership of Ba Ria – Vung Tau province has advocated for enhanced protection of intellectual property rights and the development and promotion of the province's brand for specialty products and goods. This is a crucial endeavor, not only generating significant economic benefits but also contributing to maintaining and protecting the reputation of local specialty products.

Located in the key economic region of the South, is one of the leading provinces in developing the country's key industrial models, serving as a center for tourism. Simultaneously, high-tech agriculture, such as UDCNC, is recognized as one of the pillars of the province's economic development.

By Ngo Tran Duc Trung