Vietnam, the Philippines boost cooperation in rice research
State President Truong Tan Sang hopes the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) will work more closely with Vietnam on improving rice strains, preserving rice biodiversity, and improving human resources.
During a visit to the IRRI on October 27, President Sang praised its achievements in researching new higher quality rice varieties that produce bigger yields, helping reduce poverty worldwide.
Since 1963, Vietnam and the IRRI have been cooperating by inviting Vietnamese scientists to carry out research at the institute, with 232 Vietnamese scientists studying there and nearly 500 others undertaking research projects.
According to the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), rice strains originating from the IRRI have helped south Vietnam increase productivity by 9.8 percent from 1985-2009.
The same day, President Sang laid wreaths at the Monument of Filipino National Hero, Jose Rizal, and attended the unveiling of the Statue of Ho Chi Minh at ASEAN park.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Hoang Tuan Anh, said that the relations between the two countries have grown and flourished and cross-cultural exchanges have been promoted in recent years.
Mr Tuan highlighted the two countries’ decision to erect the Statue of Ho Chi Minh at Manila’s ASEAN Park to celebrate the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties. The statue project marks a new step forwards deepening the friendship between the two countries, Mr Tuan said.