May 15, 2008
Bangkok - Thailand would like to form a Council of Rice Trading Countries (CRTC) instead of the rice cartel, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Noppadon Pattama.
The CRTC will meet at least once a year to focus on increasing rice production, exchange of technology and improved rice quality.
Noppadon invited ambassadors from six countries -- India, Pakistan, Cambodia, China, Vietnam and Myanmar -- to name representatives in the next few months.
"Thailand is ready to host the meeting," he said.
Thailand, the world's largest rice exporter, shipped an estimated 9.5 million tonnes of rice overseas last year.
Previously, PM Samak Sundaravej had an idea that Mekong nations should form a unit similar to the oil cartel OPEC to increase Mekong nations’ bargaining power for fixing the rice price.
The rice cartel plan is cancelled for fear it will worsen the global food crisis.
Noppadon reasoned the rice issue is very sensitive and the issue should be handled by the UN agencies like the UN Conference on Trade and Development or the Food and Agriculture Organisation.
He expects the first meeting will be held within 2-3 months.
