Vietnam to Export 5Mln Tons of Rice in 2009
Vietnam may export five million tons of rice in 2009, the Agriculture and Rural Development Information Center forecast.
The country’s traditional importers like the Philippines and Cuba may account for 50 per cent of the total export volume.
In 2008, Vietnam signed contracts to export 5.1 million tons of rice, of which 4.65 million tons worth US$2.9 billion were delivered. High export prices, averaging at US$550 a ton last year, helped double export revenue compared to 2007, the center said.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), global financial crisis has prompted countries to boost food reserve, including rice. The FAO said rice price will stand at high level during 2009.
The Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade said this is good news for rice growers and exporters as prices of fertilizer as well as agricultural materials are falling.
Vietnam now has 7.5 million under paddy cultivation with estimated output of 39 million tons in 2009. (New Hanoi)
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