The ambassador told the press that Indonesia has the highest consumption rate in the world for rice. Some 250 million people in Indonesia eat rice three times a day. Indonesia also imports steel, iron and cement from Viet Nam. — File Photo

HA NOI (Biz Hub) — Indonesia plans to import one million tonnes of rice from Viet Nam to meet the country's high demand, according to Indonesian Ambassador to Viet Nam Mayerfas.

He made the statement at a press briefing in Ha Noi on Friday to introduce an Indonesia trade fair and an Indonesia-Viet Nam business forum, to be held from December 10 to 12, at the Ha Noi International Centre for Exhibition (ICE).

The ambassador told the press that Indonesia has the highest consumption rate in the world for rice. Some 250 million people in Indonesia eat rice three times a day. Indonesia also imports steel, iron and cement from Viet Nam.

Indonesia also has great demand for Vietnamese coffee, the ambassador said, adding that the country imported US$40-50 million worth of the commodity in 2014 and the figure is expected to increase.

He affirmed that the trade fair and business forum, as part of the activities to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic ties between Viet Nam and Indonesia, will be a valuable opportunity for both nations' enterprises to set up business links.

Trinh Xuan Tuan, vice director of the Viet Nam National Trade Fair and Advertising Company (Vinexad) said within the framework of the events, some 100 Indonesian enterprises will showcase their high-quality products at the fair, including automobiles and spare parts, pharmaceutical and medical equipment, food and beverages, among others. — VNS