Cambodia lifts rice export ban
Updated
Cambodia's prime minister, Hun Sen, has lifted a ban on rice exports to reduce global concerns over supplies of the grain.
He says there's enough rice for Cambodians, but exports will be limited to 1.6 million tonnes, so the country can maintain its reserves.
Mr Hun Sen banned rice exports in late March in a bid to halt the staple food's spiraling prices, which have doubled this year to record highs of nearly $US1 a kilogram on the local market.
He says lifting the ban will help reduce concerns of other countries especially the Phillipines over supplies of rice.
The Philippines, doesn't grow enough rice to meet its needs and has tried hard to secure rice deals as world prices soared to record highs this year.
