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Friday,17/07/2009 - 11:23
Austria ups Vietnamese rice imports
Austria& # 39;s largest commodity importer, plans to increase imports of Vietnamese rice from 50,000 tonnes in 2008 to 70,000 tonnes this year.
VA Intertrading representative Hubert Schlemmer unveiled the figure at the seminar, Thailand Rice Convention 2009: the Global Forum on World Rice Trade and Food Security in Bangkok in July 13. The Austrian company also said it expects to axe its rice import from Thailand by half to 50,000 tonnes this year while imports from Myanmar will jump to 120,000 tonnes from last year& # 39;s 20,000 tonnes. VA Intertrading commented that Thailand would be hard pressed to maintain its standing as the world& # 39;s largest rice exporter over the next five years, due to its high-priced rice and the global economic downturn. Importers are likely to shift to rice from other countries with lower prices instead of Thailand, as Thai rice is double the cost compared with other suppliers, the VA Intertrading representative said. According to Chairman of Thai Exporters; Associaton Chookiat Ophaswongse, Thailand& # 39;s rice export volume will fall to 8-8.5 million tonnes this year from 10 million tonnes last year, while Vietnam will export a record high of 6 million tonnes this year, which means the gap in rice exports between the two countries will narrow. At present, the two countries are intensifying their cooperation and sharing experiences and information relating to rice exportation. Officials of the two countries have organised periodic meetings to evaluate developments in the world& # 39;s rice market and discuss ways to ensure food security in the region. Secretary General of the Vietnam Food Association Huynh Minh Hue urged the farmers to continue further improving selection and propagation techniques for rice varieties in addition to developing exclusive areas for growing specific varieties or establishing a rice gene bank in order to boost the output as well as the prestige of Vietnamese rice in the world market. (Vinanet)
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