Venezuelan rice deal to be concluded next week

GENERAL Secretary of the Guyana Rice Producers’ Association (RPA), Dharamkuar Seeraj Wednesday disclosed that the ongoing negotiations between Venezuela and Guyana to renew their rice trade agreement are likely to be concluded next week.
Mr. Dharamkumar Seeraj

Mr. Dharamkumar Seeraj

“Right now we are hoping to expand the current agreement where we supply 110,000 tonnes of white rice and 80,000 tonnes of paddy to Venezuela,” he said.
According to him, Guyana is looking to increase its market shares in existing markets as it simultaneously continues talks with new markets.
He said, “The marketing process is one that will take time. We have to take our product to these new countries and meet the local people before we settle on an agreement.”
Seeraj added that the current trends are encouraging as it relates to the expansion of shares in the rice market.
“Venezuela is a good partner. They like our rice, the quality is good so the indications are that they will continue to trade with Guyana,” he said.
The RPA Head pointed out that in Haiti, an existing market; Guyana is looking to increase its foothold in light of the encouraging trends.
He acknowledged that there is a fall in the price for rice, but told the Guyana Chronicle that this is not likely to affect Guyana.