The signing ceremony was attended by Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien and Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and the Environment and Minister-in-Charge of Trade Relations Grace Fu.

According to the Vietnamese delegation, the MOC serves as a foundation for promoting stable and sustainable rice trade between the two countries, contributing to bilateral and regional food security by avoiding unnecessary trade restrictions. Under the MOC, Vietnam will facilitate the export of an agreed quantity of rice to Singapore, based on the city-island state’s specific demand.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien emphasized that Singapore is one of Vietnam’s leading economic partners and an important market. He said the signing of the MOC is a concrete step in implementing the Vietnam-Singapore comprehensive strategic partnership, laying a foundation for stable and sustainable cooperation in rice trade, especially amid global food market uncertainties.

Strengthening rice trade cooperation between Vietnam and Singapore also demonstrates both sides’ efforts to safeguard supply chains and food security within ASEAN. The minister expressed hope that the two countries would continue close coordination to expand the supply of Vietnam’s high-quality agricultural and food products to the Singaporean market.

For her part, Minister Grace Fu noted that this is Singapore’s first MOC on rice trade with a partner, and that it is especially meaningful that the partner is Vietnam, one of the region’s major rice suppliers. She stressed that as Singapore imports over 90% of its food needs, the country places great importance on building regional and global partnerships to ensure a stable rice supply and ensure national food security.

Source: VOV