AsemconnectVietnam - The Ministry of Industry and Trade has issued Directive 08/CT-BCT, requiring the synchronized implementation of solutions to promote rice production and exports, ensuring market balance.

On March 19, 2026, the Ministry of Industry and Trade issued Directive No. 08/CT-BCT on strengthening the implementation of tasks and solutions to promote rice production and exports in the new situation. The Directive was issued to implement the Prime Minister's instructions in Official Dispatch No. 21/CĐ-TTg on managing rice production and consumption, while also emphasizing the principle that rice export management must be closely linked to stabilizing the domestic market, ensuring food security, and improving production and business efficiency in a sustainable manner.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade requires its affiliated units, provincial and city Departments of Industry and Trade, the Vietnam Food Association, and rice export businesses to strictly implement the Government's directives; Simultaneously, proactively coordinate and implement tasks and solutions synchronously according to function, ensuring uniformity in management from the central to local levels.
Specifically, the Multilateral Trade Policy Department is tasked with continuing to research and add rice to the commodity research roadmap within the framework of the Project to support businesses in utilizing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs); and promoting negotiations with partners such as the EU and the United Kingdom to expand tariff quotas, creating room for rice exports to high-value markets.
The Department of Foreign Market Development and the system of Vietnamese trade offices abroad are responsible for closely monitoring supply and demand, prices, and import policies in key markets; promptly providing information, warning of risks, and supporting businesses in handling issues arising during transactions, thereby improving export efficiency and limiting trade disputes.
Expanding exports, enhancing market discipline
The directive also assigns the Trade Promotion Department to coordinate with relevant units to promote and introduce Vietnamese rice products in international markets; and to allocate resources to implement trade promotion programs in a diversified manner, combining direct and online methods to expand market access for businesses.
The Import-Export Department will continue to lead the implementation of tasks in the "Strategy for Developing the Rice Export Market to 2030," closely monitoring market developments to promptly advise on appropriate export management solutions at each time, ensuring a balance of interests between exports and domestic consumption.
In the domestic market, the Department of Domestic Market Management and Development is tasked with closely monitoring the supply and demand situation and rice prices; The directive calls for timely proposals to stabilize the market, while simultaneously strengthening inspection and control of rice trading activities, strictly handling violations related to quality, origin, and trade fraud, protecting consumer rights, and maintaining market discipline.
In addition, the Trade Defense Department and the National Competition Commission are responsible for monitoring and handling cases related to competition and trade defense; contributing to ensuring a transparent and healthy business environment for rice production and export.
The Ministry's press and media agencies are required to strengthen their propaganda efforts, providing complete, accurate, and timely information on the production, consumption, and export of rice; thereby contributing to guiding public opinion, creating social consensus, and supporting businesses in their production and business activities.
Directive 08 also emphasizes the role of local Departments of Industry and Trade in coordinating with the agricultural sector to organize production in accordance with market demand. The plan encourages the development of high-quality rice varieties, increasing added value, while supporting businesses in the procurement, processing, and consumption of rice.
The Vietnam Food Association and other industry associations are required to strengthen the updating and sharing of market information; support businesses in export activities, improve negotiation and contract signing capabilities, and proactively respond to fluctuations in the international market.
For rice exporters, the Directive requires strict adherence to regulations on procurement, storage, and quality assurance; proactive monitoring of market developments; development of appropriate production and business plans; and enhanced risk management in export activities to ensure efficiency and long-term sustainability.
CK
Source: VITIC/congthuong.vn