Proactively diversify markets, increase the value of Vietnamese rice

At the conference on promoting rice production, export and stabilizing the rice market on September 10 to promptly implement the Prime Minister's Official Dispatch No. 160/CD-TTg, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien said that rice is not only an essential food but also a strategic and vital commodity for many countries. For Vietnam, rice was the foundation of economic and political security before 1986 and has now become a key export industry, bringing in tens of billions of USD, creating jobs and income for millions of farmers.

However, recently, some of our major rice export markets have been narrowed due to objective reasons. On September 9, the Prime Minister issued Official Dispatch 160/CD-TTg on strengthening the synchronous implementation of solutions to promote production, export and regulate the rice market.

Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien chaired and delivered a speech at the conference to promote rice production, export and stabilize the rice market.

In the context of fluctuating import markets, it is necessary to diversify markets early to avoid dependence. According to Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Tran Thanh Nam, the overall goal of the agricultural sector is to ensure domestic food security while maintaining export value.

Mr. Nam suggested strengthening linkages in production, replicating the model of 1 million hectares of high-quality rice, reducing emissions, and at the same time promoting the search for new markets to avoid congestion.

Minister Nguyen Hong Dien said that in the first 8 months of the year, rice exports reached 6.3 million tons, completing nearly 80% of the yearly plan of 8 million tons and likely exceeding the target. Although some markets such as the Philippines and Indonesia have temporarily stopped importing, Vietnamese rice is still present in more than 80 countries, including new markets in the Middle East, Africa and West Asia.

Concluding the conference, the Minister outlined five key groups of solutions. First, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs closely monitor market fluctuations, expand potential markets, boost trade promotion, and promote brands.

Second, the Ministry of Finance and the State Bank should speed up VAT refunds, provide timely capital, simplify customs procedures, and increase national reserves.

Third, the Government and the National Assembly should consider preferential capital mechanisms, warehouse rental support, and additional tax policies.

Fourth, industry associations support businesses in complying with regulations and enhancing connectivity.

Fifth, rice exporting enterprises need to diversify products, expand markets, increase reserves and value the Vietnamese rice brand.

The Minister also asked the press to step up propaganda about the project of 1 million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice, as well as the policy of sustainable development of the rice industry, to spread the image of high-quality, prestigious Vietnamese rice in the international market.

Previously, on September 9, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh signed Official Dispatch 160/CD-TTg requesting ministries, branches and localities to synchronously deploy solutions to promote production, export and stabilize the rice market.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade is required to take the lead in diversifying markets, boosting trade promotion, taking advantage of FTAs and exploiting niche markets for fragrant rice and high-quality rice. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is assigned to build specialized cultivation areas, develop new varieties, apply technology and digital transformation to improve productivity and quality.

The dispatch also emphasized the need to promote credit provision, timely VAT refunds, and increase national reserves. Localities should proactively remove obstacles and support farmers and businesses in production-consumption linkages. Diplomatic agencies and industry associations were assigned to strengthen trade connections, promote brands, and protect the interests of rice exporting enterprises.

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Source: https://doanhnghiepvn.vn/kinh-te/chu-dong-da-dang-hoa-thi-truong-nang-cao-gia-tri-gao-viet/20250911073141611