Vietnam's industry and trade ministry proposes to continue rice export amid coronavirus spread

In the statement by the trade ministry sent to the government, it stated that local enterprises need more time to estimate the rice volume of the up-coming crop and the current amount in stock. Therefore, the exports should resume normally.

“I just received information from the top leader of the government about the continuation,” Do Ha Nam, vice chairman of Vietnam Food Association told Reuters on phone.

Nam’s statement counters that of local customs officials and media reports citing a customs document as saying the Southeast Asian country has halted rice shipments from Tuesday to ensure food security.

► Vietnam temporarily halts rice exports from Mach 24 on pandemic fears