PM requests stronger measures to promote rice production and export
Enterprises should be assisted in seeking new markets to stabilize rice prices and support farmers.
THE HANOI TIMES — Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on September 9 signed an official dispatch to task the Ministry of Industry and Trade with stepping up stronger measures to promote rice production and exports while ensuring domestic market stability.
Rice harvest in Hanoi's Soc Son Ward. Photo: Pham Hung/The Hanoi Times
Accordingly, the Ministers of Agriculture and Environment, Industry and Trade, Finance and Foreign Affairs have been asked to urgently implement coordinated solutions to stabilize the rice market and seize export opportunities amid global impact on food production and trade, including rice.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade has been directed to diversify export markets and organize trade promotion activities to maintain traditional buyers while expanding into new potential markets.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment was required to accelerate research and development of high-yield, high-quality rice varieties, improve infrastructure, and apply advanced technologies to enhance post-harvest preservation. Policies to develop raw material zones, strengthen value-chain linkages, and guide enterprises in rice purchasing must also be implemented effectively.
The Ministry of Finance was requested to support exporters by streamlining customs procedures, applying modern management methods, and expediting value-added tax (VAT) refunds.
The State Bank of Vietnam was instructed to direct commercial banks to increase credit for enterprises engaged in rice production, processing, purchasing and export, particularly during periods of market volatility, helping them seize opportunities and mitigate risks in accordance with regulations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was tasked with enhancing the role of Vietnamese representative offices abroad in collecting market information, assisting exporters, and collaborating with other ministries to promote Vietnamese rice products internationally.
Chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees were assigned to draw up rice production plans and work closely with ministries, agencies, the Vietnam Food Association (VFA) and rice traders to promptly address difficulties in rice exports.
The VFA and the Vietnam Rice Industry Association were instructed to step up the information work and propose tailored trade promotion programs for specific markets to raise the visibility and brand value of Vietnamese rice.
Policies encouraging the development of raw material zones, strengthening production-consumption linkages, and guiding enterprises in purchasing rice must be effectively implemented. Enterprises should also be assisted in seeking new markets to stabilize rice prices and support farmers.
Moreover, Vietnam will foster bilateral and multilateral negotiations to secure agreements on mutual recognition in quarantine, product quality and food safety.
