BANGKOK (The Nation/Asia News Network): Thailand is on track to overtake Vietnam as the world’s second-biggest rice exporter this year after its shipments in the first four months rose to 2.62 million tonnes, government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said on Thursday (June 29).
This represents an increase of 14.41% over the same period last year, with the government now estimating that total rice exports in 2023 will surpass 8 million tonnes, well above last year’s tally of 7.69 million tonnes, which put Thailand in third position among global rice exporters following India and Vietnam, respectively.
“Increasing rice exports are a result of the government’s continuous campaign for rice breed improvement, which has resulted in the addition of 21 new breeds in the past 3 years,” he said, adding that the campaign also aims to develop a further 12 rice breeds in the next five years.
Anucha noted that the government has also promoted trade exhibitions and negotiations with existing trade partners, as well as seeking customers in new markets, such as Hong Kong, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, and Japan.
Thailand’s biggest rice importers last year were Iraq, Indonesia, South Africa, the US and China.
“The government has also supported rice exporters to attend international trade events such as the China–Asean Expo, the Fine Food Expo in Australia, and Anuga Fair in Germany,” he said.
“As for domestic fairs, the government promoted the organisation of THAIFEX-Anuga Asia 2023 last month through public relations campaigns based on the concept “Think Rice, Think Thailand.”
“Caretaker Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-O-Cha believes that through cooperation among all related parties, Thailand could become the world’s second-largest rice exporter this year,” said Anucha.
“Thai rice is globally recognised in terms of quality and fragrance, and the continuous breed development is helping it meet customers’ needs.”
