DILI, 21 november 2023 (TATOLI) – The government of Timor-Leste, through the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), will continue to implement the second phase of the rice subsidy in order to normalize rice prices in the country.
“We are implementing the second phase of the rice subsidy,” said Minister Pereira.
He said that two importing companies, Perisos Victoria Lda, dnd Creative Fural Lda, had been contracted to implement the second phase of the rice subsidy: “These companies will sell Amor da Familia and Beruan Merah rice.”
“We will have discussion with the other three companies – Lisun Importação & Exportação Lda, Jusibel Unipessoal Lda and Alfa Dili Unipessoal Lda to sell other rice brands,” said Pereira.
According to the previous contract agreement signed by the government and the importing companies, the price of imported rice sold in the warehouses of national rice wholesalers was set at a maximum of US$12 for each 25kg bag or parcel so that retail sales could be set at a maximum of US$50 cents for each kilogram of rice.
Previously, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), through the Economic, Sanitary and Food Activities Inspection Authority (AIFAESA), sent a sample of Amor de Familia brand rice to Indonesia to be analyzed at the Medicines and Food Control Agency, following the communities’ concern about the quality of the rice.
He said that the results of the laboratory test indicated that the quality of the Amor da Família rice is good and safe to consume.
Previously, the government formalized agreement with five companies (Perissos Victoria Lda, Loja Creative Furak Lda, Lisun Importação & Exportação Lda, Jusibel Unipessoal Lda and Alfa Dili Unipessoal Lda) to sell the subsidized rice of 20 kg per sack at US$9.
Journalist: José Belarmino De Sá
Editor: Filomeno Martins
