The meeting focused on market access expansion, certification for Belarusian beef exports to Vietnam, and increasing Vietnam’s seafood and agricultural exports to Belarus. Both sides also exchanged views on upcoming visits by leaders of affiliated agencies and business representatives from the two ministries. A key highlight of the discussions was the potential participation of a Vietnamese delegation in the Belagro 2025 International Agricultural Machinery Exhibition, scheduled for early June 2025 in Belarus.

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien  met with a delegation from the Belarusian Ministry of Agriculture and Food, led by Deputy Minister Ivan Smilgin

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien emphasized that 2024 marks a milestone for Vietnam’s agricultural, forestry, and fisheries exports, with record-breaking revenues of USD 62.5 billion. Seafood, in particular, represents a significant share of Vietnam’s exports to Belarus.

Over the years, the friendly and cooperative relationship between Vietnam and Belarus has been well maintained. However, bilateral trade remains below its full potential, with total trade volume between the two countries reaching only USD 60 million in 2024.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MOAE) proposed that Belarus facilitate Vietnamese seafood enterprises in exporting to the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

According to Pham Van Duy, Deputy Director General of the Department of Quality, Processing, and Market Development (MOAE), "Currently, around 900 Vietnamese enterprises meet the requirements to export seafood globally. However, only 53 seafood processing facilities in Vietnam have been approved for export to the EAEU, including Belarus."

Deputy Minister Smilgin thanked Vietnam for sending a delegation to participate in Vietnam Expo in Hanoi, which opened on April 2, 2025

To further promote trade between the two countries, Mr. Pham Van Duy suggested that Vietnam and Belarus regularly update their regulations and quality standards for agricultural, forestry, and fisheries exports. Moving forward, he emphasized the importance of direct and flexible coordination between specialized agencies within both ministries to provide better support for businesses.

Deputy Minister Ivan Smilgin expressed his optimism about the positive progress in market access between Vietnam and Belarus, highlighting that the ongoing efforts will help drive bilateral trade cooperation forward.

He also announced a preliminary agreement on veterinary certification, enabling Belarusian enterprises to be listed as eligible beef exporters to Vietnam. He reaffirmed that Belarus would prioritize processing seafood import applications from Vietnam upon receiving an official proposal from the MOAE.

Additionally, Deputy Minister Smilgin thanked Vietnam for sending a delegation to participate in Vietnam Expo in Hanoi, which opened on April 2, 2025. He emphasized that such engagements help strengthen bilateral relations and enhance business connections, making Vietnam-Belarus trade cooperation more substantive and effective.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides agreed on the priority order for Belarusian meat exports to Vietnam, beginning with beef, followed by pork and chicken. The Department of Livestock Production and Veterinary Medicine will soon finalize the veterinary quarantine certificate for beef, paving the way for Belarusian beef exports to Vietnam in 2025.

Vietnam's key agricultural exports to Belarus include seafood, rice, cassava, cashew nuts, and tea. Efforts are also underway to boost exports of tropical fruits, vegetables, and coffee. In contrast, Vietnam primarily imports fertilizers from Belarus.

Kieu Chi