Vietnam to consider setting up National Rice Council

The rice industry plays an important role in the agriculture of Vietnam as well as many countries in the world, contributing to ensuring food security and improving farmers’ livelihood.

Statistics show that Vietnam exported a 16-year record high of 8.1 million tonnes of rice in 2023, representing an increase of 36.6%. The first seven months of this year saw businesses ship 5.18 million tonnes abroad, marking a year-on-year rise of 5.8%.

However, agricultural producers are among the low-income and most vulnerable groups, especially in the face of climate change, new epidemics and market fluctuations. Meanwhile, international market developments are posing challenges to the sustainable development and competitiveness of Vietnam’s rice industry.  

MARD Minister Le Minh Hoan said along with overcoming the limitations of the rice industry, the National Rice Council will quickly handle problems arising in commercial activities of the rice industry, including the rice export policies of leading rice exporters like Thailand and India, and the problem of fake rice brands.

As soon as the council is established, it will meet once a year, or at any time if there is an unexpected event to occur that need to be addressed. The council will support associations to operate more effectively and resolve internal problems more quickly.

Meanwhile, MoIT Nguyen Hong Dien pointed out that if the council is established, it will be tasked with advising the Government to have strong and feasible policies aimed at promoting Vietnamese rice value and brand in the world market.

The MoIT said it has drafted a report on the establishment of the National Rice Council, and it will ask relevant ministries and agencies for opinions before submitting it to the Prime Minister.