THE Commerce Ministry will cooperate with exporters to promote the sale of Thai rice in Singapore, focusing on Hom Mali (jasmine) rice, speciality rice grains, and products made from rice.
Commerce Minister Apiradi Tantraporn will lead rice exporters to Singapore from July 26-28, as that market has high purchasing power and could be a springboard for export of Thai rice to other countries.
"In an attempt to increase the value of rice export, the government will set up a strategy to promote rice in various markets. Singapore is one of the targeted markets for increasing sales of Thai rice as it is a main staple [there], while its consumers have high purchasing power," she said.
During the mission, Apiradi will meet with rice importers in Singapore and survey modern traders and restaurants in the country on the feasibility of getting them to sell Thai rice.
Besides Hom Mali rice, the ministry will promote other speciality grains such as Riceberry, Sung Yod rice (which is a geographical-indication product) and organic rice.
Products made from rice will also be promoted, such as cooked rice for senior people, vitamin-added rice for children, cosmetics, snacks and supplements, aiming to increase value-added for rice exports.
Singapore is a major importer of rice from Thailand, and favours Hom Mali rice.