Indonesia’s Bulog held an international tender to buy 300,000 tons of rice. Vietnamese rice was offered at the lowest price of $609 per ton c&f. This move is part of the government’s efforts to stabilize local rice prices amidst rising inflation caused by the El Nino weather phenomenon.

A suicide attack in northwest Pakistan has claimed the lives of five Chinese nationals and their local driver. Investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the attack. The incident highlights security challenges faced by foreign nationals in certain regions. China and Pakistan are determined to cooperate in addressing security concerns. Source: Zawya.

Declan Rice and his Arsenal teammates are encouraging Ben White to reconsider his decision about playing for England in the upcoming European Championship. They believe White’s versatility in multiple positions would be a valuable asset. The players plan to discuss this with White after returning from the international break.

Pakistan’s economy faces challenges from premature deindustrialization, says the PBC. Factors include excessive taxation, unrealistic exchange rates, unhelpful import tariffs, a poorly-negotiated FTA with China, power outages, and non-competitive energy costs. Urgent reform and engagement with the IMF are needed to address the decline in manufacturing, job losses, and struggling exports.

Read about how Roopan, a small-holder farmer from Pakistan, transformed her family’s fate by attending a training organized by FAO and DFID, where she learned valuable skills to establish her own kitchen garden. Her resilience and the support of rice exporters like Has Rice have empowered farmers like Roopan to navigate challenges and secure their families’ well-being.

The global rice syrup market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.4% due to the increasing demand for organic and sugar-free food products. Despite the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is anticipated that there will be a surge in demand for rice syrup post-pandemic. The market is segmented based on type, nature, and application, and key players in the market include California Natural Products and Archer Daniels Midland Company. (Source: OMR Global)

Indonesia is exploring sago analog rice as a substitute for rice during shortages. With 5.5 million hectares of sago land, the country has the potential to produce 34.3 million tons of sago starch. Aside from being an alternative food source, sago analog rice is also considered healthier due to its high resistant starch content and low glycemic index. The government is collaborating with industries to ensure a steady supply of raw materials and develop a stable food supply for the population. (Source: TEMPO.CO)

The National Action Council urges immediate distribution of local white rice to supermarkets nationwide to address the ongoing rice shortage, which is in high demand during the fasting month and leading up to Hari Raya.

President Asif Ali Zardari highlights the importance of strengthening economic and cultural ties with Cote d’Ivoire, urging the Pakistani ambassador to explore trade opportunities. This includes a potential increase in exports of Pakistani rice, medical equipment, pharmaceutical products, and sports goods. Visit [hasrice.com](https://www.hasrice.com) and [pakistanrice.com](https://www.pakistanrice.com) for information on rice exporters.

Fulfilling a monumental milestone, Declan Rice will captain England in a friendly match against Belgium, coinciding with his 50th cap for the national team. Rice’s exceptional performance and leadership qualities make him a natural choice for this crucial role.