The dancing show of Thailand rice convention 2019. (Photo: Zhao Yipu)

Bangkok (People’s Daily) -- The Thailand Rice Convention 2019 (TRC 2019) is being held here this week. The event reaffirms the strong potential of Thailand as a world leader in rice production and export, while showcasing the quality of Thai rice and rice-based innovative products.

Boonyarit Kalayanamit, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce of Thailand, opened proceedings telling the convention, “The Department of Foreign Trade has organized this 9th edition of TRC under the concept of ‘Rice Style: The New Global Lifestyle’ to put on center stage the great potential of Thailand as  a global leader in rice production and export, as well as a source of quality rice of the world.”

One highlight of the event was a tribute exhibition “The Kings and Thai Rice” in celebration of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua’s coronation.

Concurrently, there was “TRC RICE STYLE”, an interactive wall exhibition featuring the use of technology and innovation in creating value-added rice products – both food and non-food suitable for health-conscious consumers.

In the Rice Bar Zone, there was a cooking demonstration of a special rice menu by Thailand’s first Master Chef Junior “Patty” Chanunchida with rice drinks served at the bar.

The dancing show of Thailand rice convention 2019. (Photo: Zhao Yipu)

The conference featured three main discussion topics highlighting the significance of rice including “Global Rice Market Outlook”; “Rice Market Outlook: Thailand’s Opportunities” and “Penetrating into Global Markets for Rice-based Innovative Products.”

TRC 2019 was attended by more than 800 delegates comprising representatives from governmental organizations, producers, importers, exporters, academics and experts on rice from throughout Thailand and overseas i.e. China, Japan, Iran, Iraq, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, the United States, Canada, Spain and Russia, among many others.

Panelists flew in from around the world to share their knowledge and experiences on subjects pertaining to future development of rice and rice-based innovative products.

Additionally, the conference offered an insight into the special characteristics of various specialty rice which come with health benefits including Riceberry rice, Kor Khor 43 white rice, and Hom Nil rice.

And there are rice-based innovative products with immense added value from the application of advanced technology in the manufacturing process.

International delegates would later have a chance to take field trips to rice-related sites including the Thai Farmers’ Lifestyle and Spirit Learning Centre at Suphan Buri and the THAIFEX-World of Food Asia 2019 at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani.