The export volume rose by almost 27% year-on-year, the association said. The average price was US$400 a tonne.

VFA Chair Truong Thanh Phong said Vietnam can meet its target of exporting 5 million tonnes this year. "Exporting 3.5 million tonnes in the first half of this year is within reach," he told a meeting in Can Tho City Monday.

Newswire VietnamNet Monday quoted the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development as saying rice exports doubled to about 2.53 million tonnes in the first four months. Turnover increased by 42.5% to US$1.16 billion in the period, the report said.

The Philippines is the biggest market, buying more than 45% of Vietnam's rice exports, the ministry said.

Except for rice, however, exports of other farm products decreased in value terms, it said.

Seafood exports saw the first fall in more than 10 years as markets shrank due to the economic recession as well as quality and dumping accusations in some major markets.

Turnover fell 8.1% year-on-year to US$1.05 billion in the first four months, the ministry said.

Rubber export plunged 59% in value year-on-year, and coffee export 23.5%, the ministry said.

Thanh Nien News - April 30, 2009