The Thai Ministry of Commerce has set an export target of 7.5 million tons of rice this year, up 200, 000 tons from that of last year, Foreign Trade Department Director- General Rachane Potjanasuntorn said.

A total of 7.3 million tons of rice was exported in 2005, generating an income of more than 2.3 billion US dollars.

As last year's performance indicated that Thai rice would have a promising year ahead, Thailand's export volume in 2006 is expected to hit a record high of 2.5 billion US dollars, Rachane was quoted by Thai News Agency as saying Tuesday.

The export value of Thai white rice is expected to reach 290- 300 US dollars per ton, while Thai Hom Mali or Jasmine rice will be at 450 US dollars per ton.

The Foreign Trade Department and the private sector are jointly promoting rice exports and restructuring of the Public Warehouse Organization (PWO) in an effort to boost rice marketing, Rachane said.

Source: Xinhua