PM approves rubber development strategy through 2015

The Prime Minister has signed Decision No 750/QD-TTg to approve the national master plan for the sector from now until 2015 with a vision for 2020, which focuses on five regions: the southeast, the Central Highlands, the southcentral coastal region, the northcentral region, and the northwest region.

Accordingly, the southeast region has been asked to maintain the largest area of rubber trees (390,000ha), while northwestern provinces are tasked with maintaining the smallest area (some 50,000ha).

Under the plan, the state will continue spending on projects to research, select, crossbreed, and import high-yield, high-quality rubber varieties for nursery gardens. It will also develop facilities for processing latex and making products from rubber wood.

The state encourages both businesses and individuals to invest in the planting, processing and selling of rubber-related products under the approved plan. It also asks the Vietnam Rubber Association to improve its capacity to assist producers and protect their rights.

Also, businesses are expected to sign consumption contracts with manufacturers and accelerate trade promotion in the field, expanding the market for rubber products.