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Vietnamese PM Nguyen Tan Dung delivers his keynote speech at the 3rd International Rice Congress, Hanoi, November 9, 2010 – Photo: Nhat Bac |
The Vietnamese Government chief has made the commitment today in Hanoi while opening the 3rd International Rice Congress (IRC 2010).
PM Dung lauded the theme of IRC 2010 “Rice for Future Generations” and its agenda focusing on scientific solutions and policy making.
IRC 2010, said Mr. Dung, will create an opportunity for over 1,000 leading scientists, policymakers, and traders to share information, exchange experience, and seek ways to boost rice productivity and business.
“The Congress is of great significance for Vietnam,” highlighted PM Dung.
The host leader stressed that the Vietnamese Government regards national food security as an important task in the national socio-economic development strategy while standing ready to cooperate and share experience with the rest of the world for the sake of global food security.
Over the last 20 years, Vietnam has exported over 75 million tons of rice and dispatched a lot of rice experts to help other countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America.
According to Mr.Dung, thanks to joint attempts of countries and international organizations including the United Nations (UN) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in 2009, there were 161 million hectares of rice fields, an output of 679 million tons and a global average productivity of 4.2 tons per hectare.
However, FAO estimated that the number of people who will suffer chronic hunger this year is 925 million and 30 countries are facing with the severe food crisis.
To reduce global hunger by half in 2015, said PM Dung, developing and least-developed countries should seek not only active assistance from developed ones as well as international organizations but also join action on regional and global aspects.
The Vietnamese PM took this occasion to award the Medal of Friendship for the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) for backing Việt Nam’s rice production.
IRC 2010 will include the 28th International Rice Research Conference, the 3rd World Rice Commerce Conference, the 3rd International Rice Technology and Cultural Expo, and the 50th anniversary of IRRI.
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