Vietnam PM assures Duterte of stable rice supply

Last updated on May 7th, 2021 at 06:47 am

MANILA – Vietnam’s PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc has assured President Rodrigo Duterte of a long-term supply of rice to the Philippines amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

Vietnam is Philippine’s biggest source of imports for rice. Vietnam Industry and Trade Minister Tran Tuan Anh assured the country that Vietnam will be providing 400,000 metric tons of rice at a “competitive price”.

According to the Malacañang, Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Pres. Duterte via a phone conference on Tuesday evening. Both leaders agreed to improved stronger ties and cooperation in their fight against Covid-19.

Prime Minister Phuc lauded Philippine’s campaign in fighting COVID-19, including implementation of community quarantine measures and providing social protection to the Filipino people.

President Duterte also expressed gratitude to Vietnam for their ‘kind’ gestures and considered the country as a vital partner in food security.

This year, Philippines is expected to get commitment from Vietnam to honor the previous contract of 1.248 million metric tons (MMT) with 90% of 1.376 MMT that has yet to be delivered. Duterte and Phuc also discussed bilateral and regional cooperation to address Covid-19 and other emerging diseases.