Tuesday, 31 Mar 2020 12:26 PM MYT
The Philippines became the world's biggest rice importer in 2019 with purchases estimated at a record 2.9 million tonnes. It usually buys from Vietnam along with some volumes from Thailand. The Philippines' Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases has sought President Rodrigo Duterte's approval for a government-to-government rice purchase arrangement, said Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles.
Cambodia will also ban some rice exports to ensure local food security during the coronavirus crisis.