In 2020, the General Department of State Reserves handed over a total of 132,100 tons of rice worth VND1.41 trillion (US$61 million), up 20,000 tons compared to the previous year, to support people affected by the pandemic, those in hardship, ahead of the Tet holiday.

Vietnam distributes 132,100 tons of rice from national reserves in 2020.

Deputy Director General of the General Department of State Reserves Pham Vu Anh revealed the information at a meeting discussing national reserves on January 8.

Upon breaking down, the amount of rice allocated for regions hit by natural disasters is estimated at 24,284 tons; 71,204 tons for students; 6,460 tons for vulnerable people ahead of Tet holiday; and 6,000 tons as donation for foreign countries, including 5,000 tons for Cuba and 1,000 tons for Laos.

“The State Reserves has timely provided 19,395 tons of rice worth VND213 billion (US$9.21 million) for central region in recent flooding and storms,” noted Mr. Anh.

Mr. Anh added in the past year, the State Reserves have handed over equipment under the request from the National Committee for Search and Rescue of Vietnam for provinces/cities worth VND202.9 billion (US$8.77 million).

Ahead of the Tet holiday, the country’s largest festive period of the year, Deputy Head of the State Reserves’ Goods Management Department Pham Viet Ha said the agency has received request from 10 provinces/cities for 10,000 tons of rice, including Nghe An, Quang Nam, Quang Binh and Quang Tri, while others are calculating figures to report to competent authorities.

“The State Reserves has set up plan to ensure efficient and quick supply of rice to those provinces/cities right after receiving the approval from the Prime Minister,” stated Mr. Ha.