Khanh Hoa: Economic boost from high-tech mariculture

In recent years, the Agriculture and Environment sector of Khanh Hoa province has made significant contributions to socio-economic development, positioning agriculture and the environment as pivotal pillars of the provincial economy. Mr. Nguyen Duy Quang, Director of the Khanh Hoa Department of Agriculture and Environment, affirmed that the achievements of the past period serve as a solid foundation for the province to enter a new phase of development.

From production mindset to agricultural economy

Guided by the motto "Solidarity, democracy, discipline, responsibility, breakthrough, development," the Khanh Hoa Agriculture and Environment sector has reached many proud milestones.

The average annual growth rate of agriculture, forestry, and fishery production value has consistently maintained 2-3%. The sector's economic structure has shifted strongly toward increasing value, reducing the proportion of traditional agriculture while rapidly expanding fisheries and rural services. Notably, the agricultural sector has made a decisive shift from an agricultural production mindset to an agricultural economic mindset, tied closely to high-tech applications and sustainable development.

In cultivation, the province has established specialized farming zones, applying water-saving irrigation, greenhouses, VietGAP and organic standards, and developing production-processing-consumption chains.

Khanh Hoa has supported the issuance of 170 planting area codes (covering over 5,209 hectares), including 68 codes for export to the US, New Zealand, Australia, China, and the EU. The livestock sector has also seen positive changes toward farm-scale development, high-tech application, and biosecurity practices.

The marine economy stands out as a highlight of the province. Total fishery output has continuously increased, estimated to reach 276,000 tons in 2025. Khanh Hoa's fishery export turnover in 2024 reached over 845.9 million USD, ranking among the top five provinces nationwide in fishery exports. Specifically, aquaculture continues to develop strongly toward modernity and sustainability, with numerous high-tech marine farming models utilizing HDPE and FRP cages.

Decision No. 231/QD-TTg dated January 24, 2025, by the Prime Minister approving the Pilot Project for High-Tech Marine Aquaculture Development marks a historic milestone, creating strong momentum for the province to form concentrated industrial marine farming zones.

Furthermore, natural resource and environmental management has been prioritized. The provincial forest coverage rate remains at 47%. Many key irrigation projects have been invested in, enhancing irrigation capacity. The rate of rural households using standard clean water has reached 86.7%. Environmental work has also achieved clear results; environmental quality is stable, with no remaining establishments causing serious environmental pollution. The urban waste collection rate has reached 99.5%, rural collection is over 85%, and 100% of industrial zones have standard wastewater treatment systems.

Two major emulation movements have transformed the face of rural Khanh Hoa. To date, 28 out of 48 communes in the province have met New Rural standards, with four communes meeting advanced New Rural standards. Notably, the movement "Joining hands to eliminate temporary and dilapidated houses" has become a provincial highlight, completing 100% of its target by removing 3,509 temporary/dilapidated houses, finishing one month ahead of the provincial plan and five months ahead of the Government's schedule.

These achievements have been recognized by the Party and State, exemplified by the Prime Minister awarding the "Government Emulation Flag" to the collective for excellent achievements in the movement "The whole country joins forces to build new rural areas" for the 2021-2025 period.

Elevating Khanh Hoa to a centrally governed city

The aforementioned achievements provide a solid foundation for Khanh Hoa province to enter a new development phase with the strategic goal of becoming a centrally governed city by 2030, in accordance with the spirit of Politburo Resolution 09.

To achieve this goal, the Khanh Hoa Agriculture and Environment sector has identified its key role in shifting from agricultural production thinking to an agricultural economy linked with services and tourism, viewing the environment as a vital factor for sustainable development.

In the 2026–2030 period, the Khanh Hoa Agriculture and Environment sector will focus on four core tasks:

First, develop agriculture in depth and promote high-tech agriculture. The sector aims for a production value of 180 million VND per hectare on cultivation land, and 1 billion VND per hectare for high-tech agriculture application.

Second, utilize the marine economy as a breakthrough, focusing resources on developing high-tech marine aquaculture linked with ecosystem protection, positioning Khanh Hoa as the national center for aquatic breeds and industrial marine farming.

Third, prioritize environmental protection. The sector is determined to maintain and improve environmental indicators, striving for a forest coverage rate of over 47% by 2030, with 99.6% of domestic solid waste and hazardous waste collected and treated, ensuring a green, clean, and beautiful environment for an international tourism city.

Fourth, continue to push for digital transformation in the management of land, water resources, and minerals, ensuring publicity and transparency to better serve citizens and businesses.

The Agriculture and Environment sector of Khanh Hoa province is confident that under the leadership of the Party and the State, it will continue to harvest even greater successes. The province will remain an active, proactive, and creative component, contributing to the successful realization of the entire sector's common goals.