Vietnam Gears Up for International Rice Festival to Boost Industry and Food Security

Can Tho City in the southern region of Vietnam is set to host the second Vietnam International Rice Festival from November 23-26. The event aims to showcase the diverse aspects of Vietnam's rice industry, celebrate its rich heritage, and strengthen the country's role in global food security. Furthermore, fostering the development of a sustainable rice value chain is a key objective. The festival presents an opportunity to reaffirm Vietnam's significance in the global food supply. In recent years, Vietnam has solidified its position as a major rice exporter, intensifying efforts to improve quality and add value. This festival will provide a platform for discussions on the latest agricultural and processing technologies, as well as the creation of new value chains that can contribute to enhanced international competitiveness. Across the country, cultural events related to rice are also actively taking place. Hop Thanh commune in Lao Cai province recently held the Hop Thanh Green Sticky Rice Festival 2025, combined with experiential tourism activities. In Mai Chau commune, Phu Tho province, the Thai ethnic community continues to preserve its traditional new rice festival, viewing it as a sacred cultural event expressing gratitude for a bountiful harvest. These events highlight the deep connection between Vietnam's rich cultural heritage and its agriculture. Vietnam's economic growth is advancing across various sectors, with initiatives including improvements in real estate market transparency (ranked among the world's most improved in JLL's 2026 Global Real Estate Transparency Index), enhancement of administrative services (Hai Phong City), strengthening cooperation with Overseas Vietnamese (OV) entrepreneurs, the green transition in the electronics industry, and provincial investment promotion (An Giang, Gia Lai). These efforts demonstrate Vietnam's commitment to deepening international cooperation and pursuing sustainable development. Furthermore, Vietnam's manufacturing and logistics sectors are also evolving. The first international shipment of finished buses manufactured by Kim Long Motor signifies advancements in domestic logistics capacity and port connectivity. A strategic Memorandum of Understanding between the Vietnam Industrial Park Supply Enterprises Association and the Korea-Vietnam Association of Science and Technology is expected to pave the way for many firms to expand globally. As Vietnam's economy grows, so does its appetite for imports like Norwegian salmon, reflecting the expansion of its domestic market and diversifying consumer preferences. Initiatives towards sustainability are also accelerating, including the development of green ports and legislative reviews to support the transition to a green and circular economy. Vietnam's economic policies are adapting to changing international dynamics, such as adjusting market access restrictions for foreign investors and shifting the focus of investment attraction from quantity to quality and efficiency. Strengthening ties with major ASEAN trading partners like Thailand also underscores the importance of regional economic integration. Source: VietnamPlus English