In the global rice market, 2023/24 production is nearly unchanged from last month, forecast at a record 518.1 million tons, as upward revisions for Colombia and North Korea were almost fully offset by reductions for Japan, Argentina, and the United States.   Total global rice supplies in 2023/24 of 691.0 million tons are up 676,000 tons from the previous forecast, mostly due to a larger carryin by Indonesia, with total global supplies contracting for a second consecutive year. Global domestic and residual use in 2023/24 is projected at a record 523.5 million tons, up 806,000 from the previous forecast, with Indonesia accounting for the largest increase. Global ending stocks in 2023/24 are projected at 167.5 million tons, 130,000 tons below the previous forecast and 5.4 million tons smaller than a year earlier, with China accounting for the largest share of this month’s downward revision. These are the smallest global ending stocks since 2017/18.   Global trade forecasts for both calendar years 2023 and 2024 are raised this month, with 2024 export forecasts increased for Cambodia, China, the United States, and Vietnam. The stronger trade forecast for both years is mostly due to higher import forecasts for Indonesia. Despite this month’s upward revisions, global rice trade in both 2023 and 2024 is forecast below 2022, mostly due to export restrictions by number-one exporter India that have reduced global exportable supplies and raised prices this summer.   After rising sharply in late summer, Thailand’s trading prices have declined due to a weaker baht. Price quotes from Vietnam are up slightly on strong demand from the Philippines and tighter supplies but remain below late-summer levels. South American export price quotes continue to rise. Price quotes for U.S. long-grain milled rice remain unchanged at near-recordhigh levels. Price quotes from sellers for California medium-grain milled rice have dropped about a third from last month’s record highs since the California harvest began in late September on an expected significantly larger crop.

  Vietnam’s plant-based agriculture is experiencing rapid growth and Vietnam is becoming a key player in global agriculture. Here’s what potential foreign investors should think about when considering entering Vietnam’s agricultural sector.   Vietnam has been selected by the United Nations to host the 4th Global Conference of the One Planet Network’s Sustainable Food Systems Programme in April this year. This will bring together experts from around the world to discuss how best to develop ‘sustainable, resilient, healthy, and inclusive food systems’.   At the same time, the World Economic Forum (WEF) has selected Vietnam as one of the first three countries to pilot the Food Innovation Hub, a flagship initiative of the Food Action Alliance designed to improve sustainability in food production.   As Vietnam becomes more visible on the global agricultural stage, we take a look at sector exports, opportunities for foreign investors, and some of the growth challenges moving forward.     In 2022, Vietnam’s agricultural sector experienced its highest growth in recent years reaching 3.36 percent. Of this figure, farming increased by 2.88 percent, fisheries increased by 4.43 percent, and forestry increased by 6.13 percent. The export turnover of the whole industry was over US$53.22 billion.   Vietnam currently exports a broad range of agricultural products all over the world. Its main exports are cashewnuts, coffee, and rice – accounting for just over US$5.7 billion worth of agricultural exports in 2021.

  Limes are small, green, and more tart than lemons, which are larger, oval-shaped, and yellow. Nutritionally, they’re almost identical and share many of the same potential health benefits.   Lemons and limes are some of the most popular citrus fruits in the world.   Though they have a lot in common, they’re also distinctly different.   What are lemons and limes? Lemons and limes are two kinds of fruit that — though genetically different — are closely related.   Some experts believe that lemons were created as a hybrid of lime and citron — a large, thick-rinded citrus fruit. However, this is merely one of many origin theories .   Both lemons and limes — as well as oranges, tangerines, citron, and grapefruit — belong to the broader category of citrus fruit.   Lemons and limes are now grown all over the world. Yet, lemons — formally known as Citrus limon — are typically grown in moderate climates, while limes — or Citrus aurantifolia — grow better in tropical and subtropical regions .   Both fresh and processed forms of lemons and limes are utilized in a number of different industries.   These two fruits are well known for their acidic, sour flavor and featured in a variety of culinary applications around the world. They may be used in cooking, food preservation, or simply to impart flavor.   The essential oils of lemons and limes are often used for cosmetic and medicinal purposes. They’re also included in many household cleaning products for their fragrance and antibacterial properties.

  In 2022, Vietnam’s merchandise trade with Asia will reach 475,29 billion USD, up 9,6% compared to 2021, continuing to account for the highest proportion (65,1%) in the total value—import and export of the country.     1.      Overview:   In 2022, the total import-export value of Vietnam's goods reached 730,2 billion USD, up 9,1% (equivalent to 61.2 billion USD) compared to 2021. The export value is 371,3 billion USD, up 10,5%, corresponding to 35,14 billion USD increase over the previous year; import value was 358,9 billion USD, up 7,8%, equivalent to 26,06 billion USD.   The balance of trade in goods for the whole year 2022 reached 12,4 billion USD, The General Department of Customs recorded the total import and export value of foreign direct investment (FDI) enterprises in 2022 to USD 506.83 billion, up 9,3% (equivalent to USD 43,22 billion) compared to 2021. The export of goods of FDI enterprises in 2022 of FDI enterprises to USD 273,63 billion, an increase of 11,6% (equivalent to an increase of USD 28,5 billion) compared to 2021. It accounted for 73,7 % of total export value of the country.   2.       Import-Export Market   In 2022, Vietnam's merchandise trade with Asia reached 475,29 billion USD, up 9.,% compared to 2021, continuing to account for the highest proportion (65,1%) in the total value—import and export of the country.   The import-export value between Vietnam and other continents is respectively: the Americas: 153,73 billion USD, up 10,5%; Europe: 75,45 billion USD, up 2,8%; Oceania: 17,62 billion USD, up 24,3% and Africa: 8,1 billion USD, down 3,9% compared to 2021.   3.       Export   In 2022, the total export value of Vietnam reached 371.3 billion USD, up 10.5%, corresponding to 35,14 billion USD increase over the previous year. Which, other machinery, equipment, tools, and spare parts increased by 7,43 billion USD; footwear of all kinds increased by 6,15 billion USD; textiles and garments increased by 4,82 billion USD; computers, electronic products, and components increased by 4,74 billion USD; seafood increased by 2,04 billion USD.  

Envoy hopeful Qatar-Vietnam trade to cross $1bn in 2023   According to The Peninsula   The longstanding diplomatic relationship of Vietnam and Qatar, which recently marked its 30th anniversary, is flourishing at an unprecedented pace, bolstered by the exchange of high-level officials between the two nations.   This robust momentum is set to continue as numerous delegations from ministries and businesses in both countries prepare to visit each other in the coming months, strengthening their ties and exploring new avenues of collaboration, according to a top official.   Ambassador of Vietnam to Qatar, H E Tran Duc Hung told The Peninsula that the diplomatic ties between Qatar and Vietnam, established in 1993 are “developing very fast especially with the visit of Qatar’s then-Deputy Prime Minister, H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who is now the Prime Minister, to Vietnam at the end of last year and the recent visit by Vietnam’s Vice President, H E Vo Thi Anh, to Qatar this year.”   “Many delegations of different levels from Ministries, provinces and businesses from Vietnam and Qatar are going to visit each other in the coming months to foster ties and seek cooperation opportunities.”     The envoy highlighted the multifaceted development of the comprehensive relationship, with notable agreements such as the visa-free travel for diplomatic and official passport holders between the two countries last year.   He emphasised that Qatar has become an essential partner for Vietnam in the Middle East, fostering enduring friendship and cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic relations.   Meanwhile, trade volume between Qatar and Vietnam saw a significant increase in 2022, reaching $550m, compared to $350m. Ambassador Hung expressed optimism that this figure would surpass $1bn in the current year, attributing the growth to Vietnam’s exports of seafood, rice, fruits, and other agricultural products, as well as imports of non-natural materials.    Energy, labour, and investment cooperation are also emerging as top priorities in the bilateral relationship. The Embassy of Vietnam in Qatar is actively collaborating with relevant ministries and agencies to reinstate mechanisms of cooperation, such as the Joint Committee on economic, trade, and technical cooperation or sub Joint Committee in the labour field.   Currently, there are over ten memoranda of understanding and agreements between the two nations. Ambassador Hung stressed the need to upgrade and expand these agreements, recognising that they were initially established under the leadership of Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and now require enhancement and extension to meet the evolving needs of Qatar-Vietnam relations.

  Vietnamese stores and products are a rarity in Kuwait although the trade exchange between the two countries has been witnessing remarkable development in recent years. In 2022, Vietnam exported goods worth $500 million to Kuwait, including, but not limited to, textiles, agricultural products, electronics, and manufactured goods. When compared to other Southeast Asian products sold in the country, Vietnamese products in Kuwaiti supermarkets remain severely limited.   One Kuwaiti national has made it his mission to change this. Growing up, Louay Al-Qattan dreamed of traveling, and he learned about Vietnam largely through Western media. Although he claims that the way Vietnam is depicted in films is wildly different from reality, they prompted him to explore this charming country. “I loved Vietnam from my first visit, and I dreamed of bringing her to my own country with pride, love, and enthusiasm,” recounts Al-Qattan.   With high hopes to introduce the novelty of Vietnamese products in Kuwait, he opened a modest shop in the shopping area of Al-Zahraa Cooperative Society. As of 2018, Al Zahraa has a population of over 30,000 people with a cooperative to sell products and provide services to the population. Al-Qattan picked the cooperative association as the first place to promote quality Vietnamese products, thanks to its size and the presence of an area designated for merchandise promotion. His pavilion sells high-quality food and drinks and offers exceptional Vietnamese coffee, tea, and everything from chocolate to lotus jam to wooden sticks. Al-Qattan even took part in an event to promote his kiosk before Ramadan. Adorned with banners and conical hats shaped from palm leaves, the tiny pavilion is an interesting creation that displays Vietnam’s unique culture.   Apart from owning a tourism service company, Al-Qattan believes he has a lot to do for Vietnam. Thanks to his efforts, the Vietnamese Embassy and Commercial Office in Kuwait provided him with facilities to participate in meetings and get-togethers with Vietnamese businessmen and citizens in Kuwait. He took advantage of these opportunities to share his feelings about the beautiful country which holds a special place in his heart.   With the support of representative offices of Vietnam in Kuwait, Al-Qattan communicated with the coffee, chocolate, and wooden agarwood companies in Vietnam, He came across the opportunity when the companies displayed their products at the Kuwait Horeca 2023 exhibition, a significant event for the restaurant, hotel, and café industries in Kuwait. The presentation was held at the Kuwait International Exhibition Center from 6 to 8 March.   Al-Qattan said, “I was allowed to display the products of Vietnamese companies and decorate the pavilion with special materials. I also made a t-shirt for my children, with ‘Vietnam’ written on it. After school, they would bring a tray of Vietnamese coffee and wander around the commercial area. If someone wanted to try a new type of coffee, they would ask us about its origin.”   Owing to his commercial experiences in Kuwait, Al-Qattan pointed out the need to identify reliable information channels to push tourism and trade in Vietnam and introduce more Vietnamese products in Kuwait.   He added, “To promote the image of Vietnam, we must focus on people who have traveled to Vietnam. Even if they are not famous, they may have millions of followers, and they can contribute to spreading information because these followers have great confidence in them.”   “Only if the people working in the tourism sector talk about what Vietnam has to offer, will those who love Vietnam talk about the country with their sincere feelings, something Kuwaitis always love to listen to. Once we find a group of people who share our love for Vietnam, then promoting products is easy,” stated Al-Qattan, after emphasizing that feelings and love for a certain thing are what make all the difference.   He talked about how cooperative societies in Kuwait enjoyed a high competitive ability, as the same product could be expensive in one place and cheap in another. He said that Vietnamese products would help cooperatives attract more visitors, and through them, information would spread quickly. “I want to create a pavilion of Vietnamese goods, and only from there do I want to lay a foundation for the expansion of Vietnamese products in Kuwait in the future,” he stated.   Al- Qattan also talked about all the experiences and knowledge he had amassed through his travels, like when he learned of Vietnam’s expertise in growing and exporting coffee during his visit to the Son La Province along with Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.   He also recalled how the image of the ‘cyclo’- a three-wheeled bicycle taxi in the streets of Hanoi left a strong impression on him and led to his goal of creating a pavilion of Vietnamese products in Kuwait with the image of the cyclo imprinted.   Louay Al-Qattan plans on returning to Vietnam in September and hopes to visit