Investment Opportunities in Vietnam’s Agriculture Sector

Vietnam has long been recognized as a key player in the global agricultural industry, with its vast agricultural land and favorable climate making it a major producer of essential crops and seafood.

Agriculture remains a cornerstone of the national economy, contributing approximately 11.77 percent of GDP in the first quarter of 2024. The sector also employs 33 percent of the country’s workforce, underscoring its vital role in socio-economic stability. With 39.3 percent of Vietnam’s land dedicated to agriculture, the industry is well-positioned to attract further investment, particularly in high-value crops and agribusiness.

With total agricultural exports reaching US$62.4 billion in 2024—an 18.5 percent increase from 2023—the sector continues to show promising growth, driven by strong demand from key markets such as China, the United States, Japan, South Korea, and Germany.

Market potential and growth trends

Vietnam’s agricultural sector is projected to grow at an annual rate of 3.5 percent to 4 percent over the next five years. This growth is fueled by increasing demand for sustainable and organic farming, higher-value crop production, and improvements in export-oriented agribusiness.

Key agricultural products experiencing strong demand include:

• Rice: Production remains high at 26.5 million tons, with ongoing efforts to expand value-added processing.
• Coffee: While export volumes declined by 15.4 percent, the total value increased to US$4.84 billion, indicating a shift towards premium coffee exports.
• Aquaculture: With exports exceeding US$10 billion, seafood remains a lucrative sector, particularly for shrimp and fish.

High-potential agricultural subsectors

Several subsectors stand out for investment due to their high growth potential and export competitiveness.

High-value fruit and vegetable production is gaining traction due to increasing global demand for tropical fruits such as dragon fruit, lychee, and durian, presenting lucrative opportunities for investors. Aquaculture and seafood processing also remain strong investment areas, with Vietnam being a major exporter of shrimp and fish, supported by modernized seafood processing facilities.

Livestock and dairy farming are becoming more attractive, driven by rising domestic consumption and export potential, particularly in modernized dairy production. Rice production and value-added processing offer significant investment potential, especially in organic rice, rice-based snacks, and fortified rice. Additionally, Vietnam’s coffee, tea, and spice industries are expanding into premium, organic, and specialty product markets, creating further opportunities for growth and investment.

Government policies and investment incentives

Vietnam’s government actively supports agricultural investments through favorable policies, tax incentives, and land use regulations. Key measures include:

• Corporate tax benefits: The standard corporate income tax rate is 20 percent, but preferential rates (10 percent, 15 percent, or 17 percent) are available for high-tech and sustainable agricultural projects.
• Land use and leasing rights: The Land Law 2024 allows foreign-invested companies to lease agricultural land, with annual rental price adjustments.
• Investment incentives: Special tax holidays, exemptions, and subsidies are available for projects in organic farming, high-tech agriculture, and sustainable practices.
• Special Economic Zones (SEZs): Investors in designated zones benefit from reduced land rental fees and enhanced infrastructure.

Challenges and risk considerations

Despite its potential, investors must navigate several challenges:

• Climate change adaptation – Rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and increased flooding require climate-smart solutions.
• Infrastructure limitations – Rural transport and cold chain logistics remain underdeveloped, impacting supply chain efficiency.
• Market access constraints – Regulatory complexities and compliance with international food safety and trade standards can pose barriers.
• Labor shortages – A declining agricultural workforce and skills gaps necessitate mechanization and automation investments.

Investment strategies and market entry models

Foreign investors have several pathways to enter Vietnam’s agriculture market:

• Joint ventures with local partners – Collaborations with Vietnamese agribusinesses can help navigate regulatory and market challenges.
• Public-private partnerships (PPP) – The Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture in Vietnam (PSAV) has effectively mobilized resources for sustainable agricultural projects.
• Direct foreign investment – With FDI in agriculture reaching US$1.2 billion in 2024, investors are entering the market independently, particularly in processing and agritech solutions.
• Contract farming arrangements – Around 30 percent of Vietnam’s agricultural output** now comes from contract farming, offering stable supply chains and risk-sharing mechanisms.

Future outlook and sustainability considerations

Vietnam’s agricultural sector is poised for continued expansion, driven by emerging investment trends that emphasize sustainable agriculture, organic farming, and climate-resilient crops. Strengthening global trade partnerships, particularly agreements like CPTPP and RCEP, are creating new market opportunities for Vietnam’s agricultural exports.

The long-term investment potential in the sector remains high, with strong government support, increasing productivity, and rapid technological adoption making agriculture a strategic sector for foreign and domestic investors alike.

Ref: ASEAN Briefing