The second shipment of paddy to Venezuela was scheduled to depart from the docks of John Fernandes Wharf late yesterday afternoon.
The first shipment was back in December of 2009, shortly after President Bharrat Jagdeo and his Venezuelan counterpart Hugo Chavez signed an agreement to export paddy to that country.
According to Minister of Agriculture Mr. Robert Persaud, in a press briefing yesterday at the John Fernandes Wharf, this shipment has a higher value than the last one, and would bring US1.9M in foreign exchange. Mr. Persaud told the media that Venezuela is sourcing from Guyana 40,000 tons of paddy at US $700 per ton, and 10,000 tons of rice at $420 per ton.
He said that the government is taking the lead in doing this because they recognize the need for new markets and higher prices for farmers and millers.
The Minster said they are currently arranging another shipment of paddy and rice since only 8,000 tons would have been transported yesterday with a total of 30,000 tons remaining.
Venezuelan Ambassador Dario Morandy told the media that the Guyana and Venezuela are looking forward to venturing into other agricultural activities.