doubt that the policy of keeping the rice price substantially lower than the international price has
operated as one of the major constraints on the development of the rice sector in Myanmar. However,
as the historical experience of Thailand and Vietnam shows, a low rice price policy can be adopted
for a substantial period, while encouraging rice exports. At the initial stage of economic
development when the majority of the people remain poor, the risks that accompany a policy of
exporting the staple food should not be underestimate. Liberalization of rice exports, even if
unavoidable, should be conducted very cautiously.