Rice conference to open in Vietnam

Rice conference to open in Vietnam

HANOI: Traders, agriculture officials and industry experts from rice-producing nations will gather in Hanoi on Thursday for this year's World Rice Commerce forum to discuss the state of the industry.

The two-day conference brings together some 150 delegates, including over 100 rice traders, from across the globe for the annual event.

Organizers say the meeting is aimed at enabling participants to swap experiences in rice production and hear updates about markets and prices, as well as providing an opportunity for producers to meet new trade partners.

Featured on the agenda are discussions on the outlook for the rice trade over the next couple of years, in addition to shipping, insurance and legal issues affecting the industry.

Delegates will also hear market updates by industry officials from China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam.

Originally known as the Asia International Rice Conference, World Rice Commerce has its beginnings in 1996, when the inaugural event was held in Singapore. Since then, Bangkok, Phuket, Cebu and Langkawi have hosted the annual meet. In 2002 it took place in Beijing, where it was renamed World Rice Commerce. --AFP