VFA stated that the exporting price delivered in July-August has increased sharply by $30-60 per tonne, compared to that of the beginning of 2009. It's expected that rice export volume would reach about 3.4-3.5 million tonnes in June. The figures in April show that the nation has exported 700,000 tonnes, with fob of $290 million, up by 59.4 percent against last year.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade and VFA has recently asked for the government's permit to allow the enterprises to continue sign new rice export contracts, after earlier agreement of 3.7 million tonnes of rice delivered in the first six months.

VFA held a meeting with its members on April 27 to reach an agreement on methods for increasing rice export efficiency. The delivery time for new contracts will start from June.

According to The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)'s predict, the world's rice demand this year would be about 32 million tonnes, increasing 2,000 tonnes against 2008.

Thoi Bao Kinh Te Vietnam - May, 4, 2009