The Government of Mexico has disclosed that “rapid progress” has been made in procedures for the purchase of Guyanese paddy.

Asked to comment on reports in opposition- controlled media that the Mexico rice market is dead, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo said that he has been assured of “growing interest” by Mexican importers in Guyana’s paddy.

According to the Prime Minister, he received word on Wednesday from Mexican Ambassador, Ivan Roberto Sierra that phyto-sanitary permits to allow access of Guyanese paddy are being pursued.

The Prime Minister stated that Agriculture Minister Noel Holder is scheduled to visit Mexico shorty, and he is expected to meet with his Mexican counterpart and the Mexican Rice Council.

Exploration of Mexico as a potential market for Guyana’s paddy was renewed by Prime Minister Nagamootoo during a visit in October 2015, following refusal by Venezuela to buy from Guyana.