Minister eases concern over farm produce consumption

On concerns that prices of pork on the hook slid to VND15,000 – 18,000 per kg but supermarkets still sold them at VND80,000 – 100,000 per kg, Dung said the PM has directed relevant agencies to determine the causes and adopt measures to prevent similar occurrences. 

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Ha Cong Tuan said thanks to the involvement of ministries, agencies, businesses and supermarkets, live pork prices have increased by more than VND5,000 per kg and supermarkets adjusted them down 10-20% compared to 10 days ago. 

Regarding long-term solutions, Tuan said the ministry will focus on ensuring supply-demand, improving food hygiene and safety, arranging chains connectivity and further opening the market to China. 

The government also directed relevant agencies to closely oversee temporary import and re-export of farm produce in line with Vietnam’s regulations and terms of the trade agreements, especially that of the World Trade Organisation. 

Deputy Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) Dao Minh Tu said the SBV requested commercial banks offer interest waiver and reduction to stimulate manufacturing. Recently, it also sent delegations to localities with big farming activities and agreed to reschedule debt payment worth VND364.7 billion (US$15.85 million). 

In conclusion, Dung underscored the need to reduce production prices and review shortcomings in State management, especially in planning, pricing information system and market over a long term. 

Other issues such as personnel work, illegal construction and land management were also made clear.