Le Phu Cuong, Vietnam’s Trade Counselor in the Philippines, said Vietnamese rice currently holds a dominant share of the Philippine market, accounting for up to 80% of the country’s total rice imports.
In an interview with a VOV correspondent covering ASEAN affairs, Laura Q. Del Rosario, former Philippine Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs and former ambassador to Vietnam, said the ongoing state visit by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam to the Philippines is expected to create fresh momentum for cooperation across the board, with both countries aiming to raise two-way trade to 10 billion USD at the earliest opportunity.
She noted that food security, particularly rice trade, remains one of the strongest pillars of bilateral cooperation.
The strong foundation in rice trade is also seen as a basis for both countries to diversify products and expand distribution channels in each other’s markets. For Vietnam, the Philippines is not only a major export destination but also a strategic regional partner. Ensuring a stable rice supply for the Philippines also reflects Vietnam’s commitment to regional stability and strengthening food security across ASEAN.
