- Rice exporters would have to find new contracts worth just 400,000 tonnes to meet the second quarter's export target of 2 million tonnes, said the Viet Nam Food Association (VFA).

The seafood sector will require additional investment totalling VND40 trillion (US$1.9 billion) between now and 2020 in order to sustain export growth in a highly competitive global market and continue meeting stricter international food safety standards, according to a new Government plan for the development of the industry.

Vietnam, the world’s second-largest rice exporter, has accumulated 45 percent of a targeted 1 million ton stockpile in a bid to prevent local prices from slumping at harvest time, the Vietnam Food Association said.

 The Central Highland province of Dak Lak came alive last Saturday with the spectacular opening ceremony of the biennial Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Festival that drew the participation of more than 500 performers and artisans and was broadcast live to an estimated 20,000 viewers nationwide.