BANGKOK, March 27 (Xinhua) -- Thailand exported 2.5 million tons of rice in the first quarter of 2024, an increase of about 500,000 tons from a year earlier, government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke said on Wednesday.
The Southeast Asian country's rice shipments may reach 8 million tons in 2024, above the target of 7.5 million tons, bolstered by government efforts to promote Thai rice in overseas markets, Chai said in a statement.
"The Thai rice export has a bright future," he said, adding that swift trade dealings, on-time delivery and the quality of the grain are contributing to the growth.
The Ministry of Commerce said last month it expected the kingdom's rice exports to decline by 14.38 percent to 7.5 million tons this year, dragged down by lower production and increased competition. ■
