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 export in the new situation. The directive was issued to implement the Prime Minister's direction in Official Dispatch No. 21/CD-TTg on managing rice production and consumption, and at the same time thoroughly grasp 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 direction.
According to Directive 08, the Ministry of Industry and Trade requests units under the Ministry, Departments of Industry and Trade of provinces and cities, Vietnam Food Association and rice export traders to strictly implement the Government's directions; and at the same time proactively coordinate and synchronously implement tasks and solutions according to functions, ensuring uniformity in management from central to local levels.
In which, the Multilateral Trade Policy Department is assigned to continue to research and supplement rice products into the industry research roadmap within the framework of the Project to support businesses to take advantage of FTAs; and at the same time promote negotiations with partners such as the EU and the United Kingdom to expand tariff quotas and create room for rice exports to high-value markets.
The Department of Overseas Market Development and the Vietnamese Trade Office system abroad are responsible for closely monitoring supply and demand developments, prices and import policies in key markets; promptly providing information, risk warnings, and supporting businesses to handle problems arising during transactions, thereby improving export efficiency and limiting trade disputes.
The Directive also assigns the Trade Promotion Agency to coordinate with relevant units to promote and introduce Vietnamese rice products in international markets; and at the same time allocate resources to implement trade promotion programs in the direction of diversifying forms, combining direct and online to expand market access for businesses.
The Import-Export Department continues to preside over the implementation of tasks in the "Strategy for developing the rice export market to 2030", closely monitoring market developments to promptly advise on export management solutions suitable for each time, ensuring harmony of interests between exports and domestic consumption.
In the domestic market, the Department of Domestic Market Management and Development is assigned to closely monitor the supply and demand situation, rice prices; promptly propose solutions to stabilize the market, and at the same time strengthen inspection and control of rice business activities, strictly handle violations of quality, origin, trade fraud, protect consumer rights and maintain market discipline.
In addition, the Trade Remedies Authority and the National Competition Commission are responsible for monitoring and handling cases related to competition and trade remedies; contributing to ensuring a transparent and healthy business environment for rice production and export activities. Press and media agencies under the Ministry are required to strengthen propaganda, provide complete, accurate and timely information about the situation of rice production, consumption and export; thereby contributing to orienting public opinion, creating social consensus and supporting businesses in production and business activities.
Directive 08 also emphasizes the role of Departments of Industry and Trade of localities in coordinating with the agricultural sector to organize production suitable to market needs; encouraging the development of high-quality rice varieties, increasing added value, and at the same time supporting businesses in the stages of purchasing, processing and consuming rice. The Vietnam Food Association and industry associations are required to strengthen updating and sharing market information; supporting businesses in export activities, improving negotiation capacity, signing contracts and proactively responding to fluctuations in the international market.
For rice export traders, the Directive requires strict implementation of regulations on purchasing, stockpiling and ensuring the quality of goods; proactively monitor market developments, develop appropriate production and business plans, and at the same time strengthen risk management in export activities, ensuring efficiency and sustainability in the long term.
