Representatives from more than 100 rice import-export businesses both at home and abroad attended a seminar in the Mekong Delta province of Hau Giang to discuss ways of boosting Vietnamese rice exports.

The event formed part of the country’s first Rice Festival, which opened on Nov. 28 to celebrate the values of the age-old rice civilization and honour rice growers.

Participants analysed a number of issues regarding world rice trade and shortcomings that have shown in Vietnam ’s rice exports. They also put forth proposals to help concerned agencies work out proper strategies for Vietnamese rice to reach out further on the world market.

Richard Moore, a brand name expert, suggested Vietnam should build up its own trademarks for rice under a good strategy that makes investment in every detail, from packing to the sales and distribution methods proper.

Phan Van Chinh, Director of the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s Import-Export Department, told the participants that Vietnam has recorded a high growth rate in rice exports since the beginning of 2009, thanks to smooth coordination between the nation’s relevant ministries, agencies, localities and the Vietnam Food Association (VFA).

Statistics released by the VFA show that the country has since 1989 exported more than 69.8 million tonnes of rice, raking in 18.5 billion USD.

Vietnam has now emerged as the world’s second largest rice exporter, and accounted for large shares in most importing markets such as Asia, Africa, America , the Middle East and Europe .

Despite the global economic crisis, the country expects to sell oversea a record volume of 6-6.2 million tonnes of rice this year, according to the association.

The VFA urged local exporters to better manage production and business activities, improve the product quality, build trademarks and expand their markets along with maintaining existing outlets./.