CaliToday (16/9/2025):
HANOI, VIETNAM – Le Huy Ngo, a former member of the Communist Party of Vietnam's Central Committee and the former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, has passed away. He was 88 years old.
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| Photo: Le Huy Ngo, a former member of the Communist Party of Vietnam's Central Committee |
A prominent figure in Vietnam's political landscape, Mr. Ngo was widely respected and remembered as a dedicated leader who tirelessly advocated for the nation's agricultural sector and the welfare of its farmers. His passing marks the loss of a key architect of Vietnam's rural development during a critical period of economic transformation.
Mr. Ngo served as the head of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) from 1997 to 2004. His tenure came at a pivotal time when Vietnam was consolidating the gains of its Đổi Mới (Renewal) policy and striving to establish itself as a major player in the global agricultural market. Under his stewardship, the ministry implemented crucial policies aimed at ensuring national food security, modernizing farming practices, and improving the livelihoods of millions of people in rural areas.
He was known for his deep understanding of the challenges on the ground and his commitment to creating practical solutions. Colleagues and contemporaries recall him as a passionate leader who frequently traveled to provinces across the country to listen directly to farmers, understand their needs, and oversee the implementation of key infrastructure projects such as irrigation systems, dykes, and rural roads.
His leadership was instrumental in transforming Vietnam from a country primarily focused on food sufficiency into one of the world's leading exporters of rice, coffee, seafood, and other agricultural products. He championed policies that encouraged crop diversification, the application of new technologies, and the development of sustainable farming models.
Throughout his distinguished career, Le Huy Ngo was regarded not only as a capable minister but also as a leader with immense heart ("tâm huyết"), whose primary focus was always on improving the lives of the Vietnamese people, especially the farmers who form the backbone of the nation.
His contributions have left a lasting legacy on the landscape of rural Vietnam, and he will be remembered as a statesman who dedicated his life to the service of the nation and its agricultural community.
Official announcements regarding funeral and memorial services are expected to be made by his family and the state.
