The Thai Ministry of Commerce has embarked on a worldwide campaign to promote Thai rice in the Middle East, Africa and Europe. In line with the theme ‘The King and Thai Rice', the convention was also in connection with the Southeast Asian country's year-long celebration of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 80th birthday and his 61st anniversary on the throne.
Speaking at the opening ceremony held at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont explained his county's commitment to offering world-class quality rice to the world and the Middle East. He also pointed out the long-standing connection of rice to the Thai people's economy, society and culture.
In recent years the Middle East has been a significant market for Thai rice with Yemen, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Qatar the leading rice importers. In 2006, a total of 1.58 million metric tonnes of rice were shipped to the Middle East, with an estimated value of US$503.7m, a significant increase of US$214.9m from the US$288.8m worth of rice exports recorded in 2005.
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