DOHA: Thailand's Fragrant Jasmine or Hom Mali rice is already one of the most popular staple food in Qatar but a high ranking Thai official said it is just ranked fifth among the major products exported here.
According to Suvat Chiparant, Ambassador of Thailand to Qatar, there are four other major products exported by his country to Qatar, which have been in demand and patronised by residents and companies here.
He cited a world-renowned car brand, its spare parts and accessories which are manufactured in Thailand is actually making headway to top their export to Qatar while cooling machines and the likes, construction materials and medical tools even came ahead than Thailand's Hom Mali or Fragrant Rice and Parboiled rice.
Chiparant however admitted the Hom Mali, which means Hom for fragrance, and Mali for Jasmine attributed to its special aroma made it a household by-word in Qatar and the growing popularity of Thai cuisine in restaurants also contributed a lot.
He added that on a worldwide scale Thailand is considered top rice exporter with over 60 countries depending on its supply that his government takes great responsibility to make it "rice bowl of the world."
© The Peninsula 2009
