China rice deal negotiations in the offing

The Department of Foreign Trade (DFT) is to hold discussions with Cofco Corporation, a Chinese state-owned company involved in the production and importation of agricultural products, over the shipment of 500,000 tonnes of Thai rice.

- PHUSADEE ARUNMAS

China has agreed to purchase 500,000 tonnes of rice from Thailand, which includes 280,000 tonnes outstanding from earlier government-to-government commitments.

Arada Fuangtong, director-general of the DFT, said China agreed to purchase 500,000 tonnes of rice from Thailand, which includes 280,000 tonnes outstanding from earlier government-to-government (G2G) commitments.

The next step is to establish a delivery timeline, which would be discussed and negotiated with Cofco.

She said that while previous discussions took place between the department and Cofco, this round of negotiations must await an official confirmation letter from the Chinese government before proceeding.