Singapore's rice supplies safe despite export restrictions

Channel NewsAsia 19 Apr 08;

SINGAPORE: Singapore's rice supplies are safe even as global rice exporters such as Thailand impose export restrictions. This assurance came from Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry, S Iswaran who added that Thailand has promised it will maintain its rice exports this year.

Other countries like Vietnam and India have also said they will review their export restrictions after the current harvest season.

Speaking on the sidelines of a community event, Mr Iswaran stressed that the main issue affecting Singaporeans is that of price.

But the government is monitoring the rice markets closely.

He said: "Quantity as such, is not a major issue for Singapore in particular, because our rice needs are very small compared to the global market. And even if you compare with what Thailand exports, our requirements from Thailand are only one or two per cent of what Thailand's total exports are."

Mr Iswaran also said his Ministry will be addressing the issue of rising food prices when Parliament sits on 21 April. -CNA/vm