Commerce Ministry aims to sell more rice to Hong Kong

HONG KONG, April 6 (TNA) -- Commerce Minister Apiradi Tantraporn is now visiting Hong Kong with a mission to sell more Thai rice after finding that Thailand’s rice exports to the island declined almost 10 per cent during the first two months this year compared to the same period last year. Accompanied by senior government officials and representatives from the private sector, Ms Apiradi began the three-day visit Tuesday and she is scheduled to meet with Gregory So Kam-leung, secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of Hong Kong, during the visit. Discussions are expected to focus on exploring ways to widen rice exports from Thailand to Hong Kong, preparations for free trade between ASEAN and Hong Kong, and on Hong Kong authorities to support investment by Thai small and medium-sized enterprises in Hong Kong. Rice exports to Hong Kong between January-February this year amounted 33,543 tonnes valued at 28 million US dollars, a decrease of 9.97 per cent in volume year-on-year. Thailand has projected that its rice exports to Hong Kong would exceed 200,000 tonnes in 2016. Campaigns are being made to promote Thai rice during the event ‘Discover Thai Taste 2016’ being held at a Hong Kong hotel between April 5- 30. Ms Apiradi said Thai rice exporters are scheduled to sign a memorandum of understanding with their Hong Kong colleagues Wednesday for the latter to buy more than 150,000 tonnes of rice. Also, the Best Import Performance of Thai Rice Award 2015 will be bestowed to eight Hong Kong firms, considered to be outstanding Thai rice importers and good business partners, she said. (END)