Vietnam needs to create an international brand name for its rice inaddition to developing high-quality cross-bred varieties, expertssuggested at a workshop held in Hanoi on November 26.
Thisrequires an effective marketing strategy to raise consumers’ awarenessof the Vietnamese rice and to help the country surpass major riceexporters like Thailand and India, they said, adding that it’s hightime for Vietnam to develop a variety research system.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Quoc Doanhemphasised the need to increase the added value of rice for export, thusimproving growers’ incomes.
To do this, the country hopes toreceive support and collaboration from foreign partners, including theInternational Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the United Nations Foodand Agricultural Organisation (FAO), in order to build its owntrademark for this product, he said.
With IRRA support, theministry is expected to soon build a feasible cooperation framework forthe local rice sector, he added.
Deputy Director of theministry’s Department of Crops Production Tran Xuan Dinh suggestedforging links between farmers and businesses, and called for IRRItechnical assistance in biotechnology and sustainable production.
Vietnam has so far this year exported 5.5 million tonnes of riceworth 2.56 billion USD, according to the Vietnam Food Association(VFA).
The VFA predicted 2015 to be a tough year forVietnam 's rice exporters in the face of fierce competition fromtheir Thai rivals.-VNA
