The An Giang Import-Export Company (Angimex) and An Giang Plant Protection Company (AGPPS) have recommenced rice shipments to Japan, five years after the country halted the import of Vietnamese rice.

It is attributable to the companies’ collaboration with farmers to set up rice farms using stringently-controlled techniques to produce high-quality rice. Japanese experts also examine every step, from sowing, harvesting, husking, transporting and packaging.

Rice samples were sent to Thailand and Japan to be tested. The results met all 593 of the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries’ criteria.

Tran Quoc Thanh, AGPPS Food Deputy Director, said his company is negotiating with Japan’s Marubeni Group and partners for additional contracts. In the coming time, it will multiply the model of clean and high-quality rice production in the Mekong Delta with the goal of expanding its market share in Hong Kong, Taiwan, New Zealand, Singapore and the EU.

Huynh Van Thon, AGPPS General Director, said once accepted in the Japanese market, Vietnamese rice will grow in popularity, improving its penetration into other markets across the world.

Angimex General Director Nguyen Van Tien said his company was the first to win a contract since Japan began repurchasing Vietnamese rice in early 2012.

The company plans to expand its rice growing area to 15,000 – 20,000 hectares to produce high-quality fragrant rice, increasing the value of its brand. Its rice has recently gained entrance into the Republic of Korea, another choosy market, added Tien.-VNA