Vietnam agri news update - November & December 2025

Vietnam takes firmer stance on IUU fishing as it targets sustainable fisheries.

Vietnam is taking strong action to address the root causes of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, including tightening fleet management, vessel monitoring, catch traceability and strict enforcement against violations. mong these measures, controlling and monitoring offshore fishing vessels is considered the most essential foundation to “say no to IUU fishing.” A key requirement is ensuring that 100% of fishing vessels measuring 15 meters or more are equipped with and maintain active Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS). Alongside stricter regulations and technical measures, Vietnam is increasingly enforcing strong and consistent penalties against IUU fishing violations. (VOV)

Land certificates to be included in VNeID app

The land database building campaign is being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) in coordination with the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) and localities to realize the Politburo’s Resolution on breakthroughs in science, technology, and national digital transformation. Accordingly, people will be able to provide and verify land and house ownership information on the VNeID app without having to submit certificate copies. In establishing the two-tier local government model, complete and accurate land data will enable grassroots governments to process administrative procedures in communes, wards and towns, and people will no longer need to travel much. Records can be handled electronically, thus saving time and money. (Tuoi Tre HCM)

Ministry will improve institutions, infrastructure for agricultural development.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has set out four major strategic solutions to drive the development of agriculture and rural areas, focusing on reforms from institutions to infrastructure, according to agriculture minister Trần Đức Thắng. Speaking at a forum on accompanying farmers in the new era held on November 2, Minister Thắng said that the ministry will promote reform and perfect institutions and laws to remove bottlenecks and unlock resources for agricultural and rural development. In particular, the sector will reform administrative procedures, ensuring publicity and transparency. The focus will be on drafting and submitting amended and supplemented laws on land, geology and minerals, and environmental protection. (VietNamNews)

Agricultural associations petition for VAT law amendments

Representatives of five agricultural associations have recently sent a written petition to the National Assembly (NA), expecting the NA to approve amendments proposed by the Government on the Law on Value Added Tax (VAT) to ease their business performance.
According to the associations, which are representatives for businesses in the rice, coffee, pepper, wood and seafood industries with high export value of billions of US dollars, the VAT Law, effective from July 1, applies a ‘pay first refund later’ mechanism on VAT, causing major difficulties for the business community.

In particular, in the agriculture, forestry and fisheries industry, the VAT policy for unprocessed products such as rice, seafood, coffee, pepper, wood and forestry products is becoming a significant barrier as it causes capital costs to increase and reduces cash flow of businesses, affecting the competitiveness and sustainable development of the industries. (VietNamNews)