Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung requests that rice exports be considered carefully and cautiously. (Photo: VGP )

The request was made at a meeting of the Deputy PM and ministries in Hanoi to discuss rice exports amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, drought, and saltwater intrusion.

Mr. Dung said that ensuring food security is a matter of life, security, and national defense that is being threatened by the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change.

He said rice exports need to be considered carefully and cautiously right now. Thought should be given to ensuring national food security, minimizing the disruption of the rice production chain, and protecting the interests of farmers and businesses, he added.