The Roman Empire relied heavily on the fertile plains of Hauran for wheat and agricultural products, earning Syria the title of the “Granary of Rome”, a vast food reservoir that helped sustain one of history’s greatest empires. Because Roman prosperity depended significantly on agricultural production, particularly wheat, the Romans invested extensively in land development and irrigation systems, constructing canals and wells under the supervision of skilled engineers.
In the 1940s, Syria’s pioneering “Asfar and Najjar” agricultural experiment signaled the potential for a major agricultural transformation. However, nationalization policies later undermined that momentum and inflicted severe damage on the Syrian economy. Yet Syrians continue to dream of an agricultural renaissance that goes beyond self-sufficiency and reaches global markets, exporting Syrian agricultural products worldwide as premium goods worthy of the rich heritage of the Levant.
On November 12, 2025, Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment celebrated the 80th anniversary of the country’s agricultural sector (1945–2025). In 2024, Vietnam’s exports of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products exceeded $62.5 billion, roughly equivalent to Syria’s entire GDP in 2011. This figure represents nearly a fiftyfold increase compared to the early years of the country’s Doi Moi (Renovation) reforms, placing Vietnam among the world’s fifteen largest agricultural exporters. Rice, coffee, cashews, pepper, seafood, fruits, and vegetables rank among Vietnam’s top global export commodities.
Syria’s Ministry of Agriculture would benefit from studying Vietnam’s experience, particularly that of PAN Group, established in 1993. The company employs approximately 10,500 people and has a market value of around 6.6 trillion Vietnamese dong (approximately $250 million). PAN is a leading Vietnamese agribusiness and food production group specializing in agriculture, food manufacturing, and rural development. It works with more than 41,000 farming households and 286 agricultural cooperatives, helping improve the livelihoods of millions of Vietnamese farmers.
In 2024, PAN Group generated export revenues of approximately $646 million, with more than half of its total revenue derived from exports. Through an ecosystem of twelve member companies, PAN distributes products such as rice, seafood, fresh flowers, cashews, and other nuts across Vietnam while exporting to nearly forty major international markets, including Japan, Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, the Middle East, China, South Korea, Mongolia, and others.
“PAN Group proves that the future of agriculture lies not merely in growing crops, but in building integrated value chains that connect farmers to the world.”
Dr. Osama Kadi
The group’s operations are structured around two principal sectors: agriculture and food industries. Its agricultural activities include seed development and improvement, crop production, rice cultivation, aquaculture, and food processing.
PAN is not the only success story. Vietnam is home to several major agricultural corporations whose experiences could benefit Syria and whose investments could be welcomed. Among them is Dabaco Group, an integrated Vietnamese company employing approximately 6,700 workers and operating across livestock production, animal feed, and food processing sectors.
Another example is Masan Group, a leading Vietnamese conglomerate founded in 1996. Operating in consumer goods, retail, and resource industries, Masan has grown into one of Vietnam’s largest private-sector groups and has played a significant role in shaping the country’s consumer and retail markets. In 2024, the company reported revenues of approximately $3.3 billion, with a market capitalization exceeding $4 billion.
Vietnam’s dairy industry is represented by Vinamilk, the country’s largest dairy producer and one of Southeast Asia’s most valuable food brands. Established in 1976 and headquartered in Ho Chi Minh City, Vinamilk dominates Vietnam’s domestic dairy market and exports its products to more than fifty countries worldwide. The company controls over half of Vietnam’s fresh milk market and approximately 80 percent of its yogurt and condensed milk sectors. Vinamilk is the only Vietnamese dairy company listed in the Fortune Southeast Asia 500 ranking for 2024. For more than a decade, it has consistently ranked among Vietnam’s fifty most efficient companies. In 2023, Brand Finance estimated the company’s brand value at approximately $3 billion. Its annual revenue reached roughly $2.5 billion, employing more than 5,000 people and ranking among the world’s top forty dairy producers.
Other notable companies include Hoa Phat Agriculture, active in animal feed, livestock, and poultry production; TH Group, specializing in dairy and agricultural products; Loc Troi Group, a leading agricultural company employing around 5,000 people and operating in crop science, food production, and sustainable farming services; as well as companies such as BAF and Vissan.
The devastating Vietnamese famine of 1945 left deep scars on generations of Vietnamese citizens. Following independence, ensuring food security and supporting the national war effort became top priorities. However, meaningful progress did not emerge until the launch of the Doi Moi reforms in 1986.
Having once suffered from severe food shortages, Vietnam today earns more than $60 billion annually from agricultural, forestry, and fishery exports. Behind these impressive figures lies an eighty-year journey marked by reform, perseverance, and a clear vision for green, modern, and sustainable growth.
Over the past eight decades, Vietnam’s agricultural sector has undergone a remarkable transformation, from poverty and food insecurity to becoming a major export-driven economy with a strong position in global markets.
Today, Vietnam ranks among the world’s leading producers and exporters of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products. The country’s agricultural export value reached $62.5 billion in 2024. Timber and forest products, coffee, pepper, cashews, and seafood are among its most important exports. Exports of timber and forest products alone reached a record $17.35 billion, serving markets in 170 countries and territories. Vietnam now ranks fifth globally and second in Asia in exports of timber and wood products.
This success story is the result of reform-oriented policies, the tireless efforts of millions of farmers, and a transition from subsistence farming to value-chain-based development that emphasizes food safety, traceability, and compliance with international standards.
Syria urgently needs an agricultural strategy capable of leading a smart agricultural-industrial revolution. Such a transformation could demonstrate to the world that Syrian agriculture has the potential to generate greater revenues than oil and gas combined. Achieving this vision requires highly qualified agricultural technocrats with international expertise, innovative thinking, and the ability to attract successful global agribusinesses to invest in Syria.
“The real promise of Syria’s future lies in a smart agricultural revolution capable of turning fertile land into lasting prosperity.”
Dr. Osama Kadi
At that point, Syria can embrace the slogan adopted by Vietnam’s PAN Group, “Born to Feed the World.” In doing so, Syria may once again reclaim its historic role as a breadbasket of civilizations, the cradle of agriculture, and a gateway of food production connecting East and West.
