More than 200 enterprises from the United States, France, China, and Germany... will introduce new products and technologies in livestock farming, aquaculture, and product processing at an international exhibition in Ho Chi Minh City at the end of May.
On April 24, at a press conference introducing the 9th International Livestock, Dairy, Meat Processing, and Aquaculture Exhibition in Vietnam 2024 (Ildex Vietnam 2024), it was announced that more than 200 global enterprises will come to Vietnam to connect, trade, and showcase advanced machinery in the livestock industry.
The exhibition will occur from May 29 to 31 in Ho Chi Minh City.
This leading industry event, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, provides a comprehensive overview of Vietnam's livestock sector. It's also an excellent opportunity for businesses, localities, and livestock farmers to access information, techniques, and new technologies worldwide.
Speaking at the press conference, Mr. Duong Tat Thang, Director of the Livestock Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, noted that livestock has always played a crucial role in maintaining the overall growth rate of the agricultural sector. Specifically, in 2023, the total value of the livestock sector contributed 26% to the agricultural GDP.
Mr. Thang emphasized that from a small-scale, self-sufficient livestock sector in the past, Vietnam's livestock industry is now recognized globally for its production capacity and many high-ranking sectors. This is partly due to open policies and attracting domestic and foreign investment, such as importing techniques, technology, and management from developed countries.
Vietnam's livestock industry has transitioned to professional, large-scale farming, now aiming for clean livestock farming and green agriculture. Therefore, the livestock industry must integrate, adapt to new scientific and technological trends, and promote the export of its strong products to enhance international competitiveness," Mr. Thang said. According to Mr. Thang, a new feature of Ildex Vietnam 2024 is that the organizers will collaborate with a unique support program to promote Vietnamese products and brands.
Impressive figures about the livestock industry today include: Pig farming ranks fifth in terms of headcount, with about 30 million pigs; it ranks sixth in terms of output, with about 4.4 million tons of pork. Poultry ranks second in the world, with over 103 million birds; raw milk output is about 1.2 million tons, ranking fourth in the ASEAN region; and industrial livestock feed production is 20.5 million tons, ranking first in Southeast Asia.
Despite difficulties in 2023, the livestock industry maintained its growth rate compared to 2022, serving consumption for 100 million people and exports. For example, exports of honey, salted eggs, sow pigs, swiftlet nests, processed chicken meat, etc., reached $515 million in 2023, up 26.2% from the previous year.