VFA: Rice Exports Down 9.72 Pct Against 2011February 23, 2012 (Vietnamica) — According to the Vietnam Food Association (VFA), the country would export 6.5 million tons of rice this year, down 9.72 percent against 2011. The domestic rice market would undergo a tough year of 2012 due to domestic costly large stockpiles, price competition, and reduced global rice trading (VNS, Feb. 15).
February 23, 2012 (Vietnamica) –Dak Lak – the largest coffee growing province in Vietnam – has implemented a policy to limit coffee bean exports in order to encourage and promote well-processed coffee. In light of this, the province is calling on domestic and foreign investors to build roasted and instant coffee factories with capacities from 700 to 1,000 tons/per year respectively (VNS, Feb.15).
MARD: Coffee Exports to Reach US$3 Bln in 2012February 22, 2012 (Vietnamica) — The Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) has forecast that coffee exports would reach 1.2 million tons (in volume, as same as 2011) and US$3 billion (in value, up 10 percent) (VGP, Feb 14).
February 22, 2012 (Vietnamica) – The country’s oil minister expelled the head of Chinese-Malaysian oil consortium Petrodar (Reuters)amid rising tensions between Juba and Chinese oil firms. South Sudan, which recently shut down its oil output, has accused the firms of helping neighboring Sudan steal its oil.
Vietnam Airlines to Hold 69.93 Pct of Jetstar PacificFebruary 22, 2012 (Vietnamica) – Australian carrier Qantas unveiled that Vietnam Airlines will hold 69.93 percent of the low-cost airline Jetstar Pacific following an arrangement with the Vietnamese State Capital Investment Corporation. Qantas owns 30 percent of Jetstar Pacific (AFP, Feb. 22).
The Philippines, Vietnam Discuss on SpratlysFebruary 22, 2012 (Vietnamica) — The Philippines and Vietnam on Feb. 20 discussed “cooperative actions” in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) during the inaugural meeting of the two countries’ Joint Commission on Maritime and Ocean Cooperation (JCMOC) (Inquirer, Feb. 22).
