(MENAFN- Jordan Times) AMMAN — USA Rice, in cooperation with the US embassy in Amman, on Tuesday hosted a seminar in Amman for Jordanian rice traders.
Representatives of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply, the American Chamber of Commerce in Jordan and the Jordan Chamber of Commerce participated in the event, according to an embassy statement.
USA Rice is the global advocate for US rice farmers, millers, merchants and allied businesses, including those exporting rice to Jordan.
US-origin rice has been present in the Jordanian market for over 40 years. It makes up approximately 40 per cent of the total rice imports in the country and has become the most popular rice variety in Jordan, the statement said.
It is imported by many local companies and used daily in Jordanian households,“trusted for its high quality and great taste”, according to the statement.
“The US rice industry is proud to help supply one of Jordan's most important staple foods to Jordanian consumers and we value the long-term relationships our industry has within the Jordanian marketplace,” said Betsy Ward, USA Rice President & CEO.
Secretary General of Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply Hassan Al Omari stated that Jordan's food imports from the US market contribute to enhancing the Kingdom's strategic stockpile of food and basic commodities, especially wheat, rice, poultry and corn.
The Jordanian imports of rice from the US in 2020 amounted to $74 million. Omari emphasised the keenness of working together to advance the economic relationship between Jordan and the US.
US Senior Agricultural Attaché Elizabeth Mello said:“This event illustrates our commitment to the prosperity of Jordan by providing the Jordanian traders with the most practical and up to date market information.”
Mello added that US rice sales to Jordan demonstrate the importance of the US-Jordan Free Trade Agreement for both countries, developing a robust trade relationship that supported a steady flow of US rice to Jordan.
“US rice has played a role in Jordan's overall food security by its affordability, availability and accessibility. You can count on the US to provide you with quality and affordable rice,” she said.
During the seminar, a senior agricultural economist from the US Department of Agriculture, as well as rice researchers from California and Arkansas, gave presentations on the world rice supply situation and the current US rice crop. A question-and-answer session followed, among the panellists and all participants.
“We hope to be helpful to Jordanian businesses in navigating the ongoing worldwide shipping and food supply situation for the benefit of our Jordanian business partners and the Jordanian consumers,” said Mark Holt, the chairman of the USA Rice Europe, Middle East and Africa Subcommittee.
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