President Truong Tan Sang has asked the Federation of Agriculture and Rural Development (FARD) to enhance its competitiveness in order to stand ready for future competition in the agriculture sector during the country’s international economic integration process.

Addressing a reception to 66 exemplary farmers and agricultural businesses under the FARD in Hanoi on March 20, the President commended the federation’s significant contributions to national agricultural development as well as its efforts to call for businesses’ participation and expand international cooperation to mobilise resources for building new-style rural areas.

He called on the federation to keep its members updated of the difficulties, including non-tariff barriers and language difference, emerging in international integration so that farmers proactively enrich their knowledge and apply technological advances to production, thus improving the quality of their agricultural products.

The President also took note of the federation’s recommendations on support policies and incentives to create favourable conditions for enterprises’ investment in the agricultural sector.

During the meeting, delegates reported to the State leader on business production in the field of agriculture as well as the process of building new-style rural areas. Many businesses have worked with scientists to apply scientific and technological advances to agricultural production, contributing to limiting environmental pollution and improving productivity, they said.

The federation has been operational for nearly two years, comprising 60 collectives including scientific organisations and businesses; and over 1,900 member individuals. The federation has considered participation in building new-style rural areas its key task, with farmers and enterprises being the pivotal forces.-VNA