THERE is no shortage of rice in Belize, but it is anticipated that this may change as a result of domestic production level being matched with current domestic consumption.MINISTER of Agriculture Noel Holder and Belizean Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega during a recent meeting, said that a joint-commission approach is needed to ensure secure relations with the Belize rice market.
The Belizean Deputy Prime Minister pointed to the fact that the main aim of the visit is to reinstate commitments and strengthen relationships between the two CARICOM member states.
It was pointed out that in the past if there were instances of rice shortage in Belize, Guyana would be the only market sought for rice as it has been proven that Guyana produces high-quality rice. The Deputy Prime Minister also stated that the current domestic production level, which is averaged to be just below 10,000 tonnes, is matched with that of the current domestic consumption level. In the instance where there is a shortage, Belize will be importing rice from Guyana.
As a result, both nations are working to have an arrangement worked out so that Guyana can benefit from another rice market. The Deputy Prime Minister of Belize is scheduled to have follow-up meetings with the Minister of Foreign Affairs to continue discussions.