BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand is anticipating a boost in rice exports to Hong Kong and China this year, with a particular focus on riceberry and brown rice amid a global economic recovery and growing demand for high-quality rice. Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai announced plans to establish a distribution center in Shenzhen to further facilitate trade, following discussions with key stakeholders in the rice industry from Hong Kong and China.
The initiative comes as Hong Kong is expected to import approximately 180,000 tonnes of Thai rice this year, a significant increase from last year's 150,000 tonnes, mainly consisting of Thai jasmine rice. The meeting between Phumtham and rice importers also highlighted the Thai government's commitment to research and development, aiming to meet the diverse needs of customers while ensuring Thai rice remains competitive internationally.
In addition to the rice trade, Thailand is preparing to engage in talks with the Chinese government regarding land leasing for the proposed distribution center, with further discussions to be held with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Hong Kong stands as Thailand's third-largest export market for Thai jasmine rice, following the US and China, underlining the strategic importance of these markets for Thai rice exporters.
The government has set a rice export target of 7.5 million tonnes for 2024, noting strong demand for Thai rice on the global stage.
Source: NNT
