Making an exception to the ongoing ban on new export contracts, Vietnamese companies are expected to participate in a Philippine buy tender this week.

The Vietnamese government imposed a ban on new export contracts in July in a bid to shore up domestic supplies following sharp increases in local prices.

Philippines state-owned grains trading firm,NFA, is planning to buy up to 450,000 MT of rice for shipment between February and March next year.

In addition to the five Vietnamese firms, three Thai suppliers and nine trading houses are expected to join the tender .