Mexico to import Vietnamese rice
(VOV) - A Mexican Rice Council (CMA) leader has said his country is considering importing rice from Vietnam to meet domestic demand.
At a roundtable in Mexico City on December 6, CMA General Director Ricardo Mendoza Mondragon said every year Mexico imports 90% of its rice volume for local consumption, of which 75% comes from the US.
Purchasing rice from Vietnam is an alternative, he said revealing the possibility of investing in rice production in Vietnam to meet domestic demand and for export.
Nguyen Hong Duong, an Industry and Trade Ministry official, said Vietnam has great potential for rice production. Last year the country produced 44 million tonnes of rice and exported around 7 million tonnes, making it the second biggest rice exporter in the world.
He answered Mexican businesses’ questions relating to rice growing, harvest and preservation in Vietnam, technological advances in rice processing, and experience in rice production along with environment protection.
Manuel Sandoval, managing director of export projects under ProMexico Trade and Investment, said Mexico is keen to penetrate emerging economies including Vietnam.
He expressed hope through the roundtable Mexican businesses will draw up new strategies for the Vietnamese market.