National export turnover of agricultural, forestry and aquatic products hit 3.2 billion USD during the first quarter of this year, a year-on-year rice of 11.6 percent said Agriculture and Rural Development deputy minister Luong Le Phuong.

Of this figure, agricultural products earned 1.7 billion USD, increasing 11.5 percent, forestry products and wooden furniture earned 712 million USD, rising 12 percent and aquatic products reached 800 million USD, increasing 11 percent against the same period last year.

Several key products such as rice, coffee, rubber and pepper saw high export growth of 21-38 percent despite the decrease in quanlity.

By the end of the year, the ministry will help provinces and enterprises continue to strengthen hygiene and food safety in all phases, from cultivation to processing and preservation.

The ministry should also apply contracts to buy agricultural products with farmers to guarantee sufficient materials for exports.

Source: VNA