Bahrain plans to have its own rice plantation in Thailand to overcome a shortage in supplies and skyrocketing prices, it was announced.

The move follows an agreement signed with a major Thai exporter to maintain rice supplies and stabilise prices in Bahrain.

The government also hopes to form a joint public or private sector company to meet the country's demand for basic food products, said Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro.

The minister signed the deal with Rice Miller Association during a five-day visit to Thailand last week, aimed at strengthening trade and investment links between both countries.

'Thailand is the biggest rice exporter in the world, to the tune of 12 million tonnes a year,' Dr Fakhro told a Press conference.

'Jasmine rice is produced in Thailand in very large quantities. We will promote it as an alternative to Basmati.'-TradeArabia News Service