An international rice festival will kick off in Hau Giang Province in the Mekong Delta region from December 11 to 15, featuring the participation of more than 39 nations.

Dong Van Thanh, chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, told a press briefing on Friday to introduce the ‘Vietnam - Hau Giang Rice Industry Festival 2023’ that the fest is themed ‘Green Rice for Life.’

More than 200 international representatives from firms and agencies from over 39 countries will join the event, he underlined.

“As many as 12 major enterprises from the Philippines, China, India, Japan, South Korea and the Middle East have registered to take part in the fest and shown their interest in Vietnamese rice,” Thanh noted.

Eight leaders of the Ministries of Agriculture in the Philippines, Laos and Indonesia, and many Ambassadors of the United States and European nations will travel to the province to join the event.

Hoang Trung, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, said that this year’s event is expected to cement Vietnamese rice’s position in the world.

The festival is part of Vietnam’s efforts in improving the quality of rice, boosting green development, and helping firms and farmers access new technology and farming techniques.

“Within the framework of the fest, Vietnam will cut a deal with the World Bank to support farmers in implementing a project passed by the government in late October to develop one million hectares of high-quality rice paddies.”

The government had previously set a target of developing one million hectares of high-quality rice paddies and reducing emissions by 2023 for the region.

The country will also sign a rice export agreement with Indonesia at the fest, Trung said.

Between January and November, Vietnam exported 7.75 million metric tons of rice worth US$4.4 billion, up 36.3 percent in value year on year.

Several nations are rushing to buy Vietnamese rice due to its high quality and abundant supplies.

The festival will include a series of booths showcasing rice varieties, rice manufacturing machines, and farming equipment and technology.

Numerous rice-centered conferences, seminars and art performances will be organized during the fest.

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