Pham Van Bay, President of VFA, said that rice exports were estimated at 6.143 million tonnes in the past 11 months, down 14% in volume and 18% in price compared to the same period last year. The VFA said that the annually target had been adjusted twice to 6.6-6.7 million tonnes due to a sharp fall in rice shipments caused by tough competition in the shrinking consumer markets.
A representative from the Import-Export Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) said that rice exports will continue to fall price from now into early next year. He said the state should adopt proper policies for farmers and businesses.
To promote rice exports in 2014, the VFA has asked businesses to ensure the quality of high-valued rice, especially fragrant rice.
The VFA has proposed setting up a fund to support rice exporters in the signing of major contracts with foreign partners.
