ASEAN leaders commit to continue the exports of agricultural products and refrain from putting any “unjustified” trade barriers as the region is worried about the low grain production due to the impact of El Nino dry weather.

This year Vietnam exported over 6 million tons of rice, estimated at around $3.2 billion. This figure is 21% up in terms of volume and 35% up in terms of value from the last year.

India's Food Secretary, Mr. Sanjeev Chopra, recently announced that retail prices of essential food items such as wheat, rice, sugar, and edible oils are unlikely to experience significant increases during the upcoming festival season.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Mr. Pham Minh Cinh is in talks with the Philippines to finalize the trade agreement which will be in effect for five years.