More than 4.4 million tonnes of rice were exported in the first eight months of the year, up 41.93 percent over the same period last year, according to the Vietnam Food Association (VFA).

The free-on-board export value was more than 1.8 billion USD, down 3.64 percent on the same period last year.

According to Nguyen Tho Tri, deputy chaiman of the VFA, the export price during the first eight months of the year declined by 193.22 USD per tonne to 408.6 USD per tonne.

Up to Aug. 27, about 5.6 million tonnes of rice were registered to be exported this year, up 66.58 percent, VFA said.

To help stabilise the price in the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta, the VFA bought 369.459 tonnes of rice, reaching 92.36 percent of the Government’s plan.

The recent rice price in the delta ranged between 3,300 VND and 4,000 VND per kilo, slightly higher than the previous week.

The VFA said it planned to hold regular meetings in Bac Lieu province to discuss the situation of the local and international rice markets. It said it would also look into buying rice from local producers.

Meanwhile, the Government has called on the delta province of Hau Giang to organise a “Rice and Paddy Festival” from November 26 to 31 promote the industry.

Truong Thanh Phong, chairman of the VFA, said foreign enterprises and rice associations would be invited to the festival./.