Jakarta. Indonesia has offered to export at least 10,000 metric tons of rice to Singapore while seeking to expand shipments of eggs and chicken, as record domestic stockpiles allow Southeast Asia's largest economy to strengthen its role as a regional food supplier.

The proposal emerged during a meeting on Monday between Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman and Singapore's Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Grace Fu Hai Yien, in Jakarta.

“We have proposed exporting at least 10,000 tons of rice to Singapore,” Amran said after the meeting. “We also plan to increase exports of chicken and eggs.”

Amran said Indonesia currently has more than enough rice to meet domestic demand, with government stockpiles reaching 5.1 million metric tons -- well above the country's 3-million-ton warehouse capacity. Authorities have leased additional storage capable of holding about 2 million tons to accommodate the surplus.

“Our warehouses are full, so we are looking to export at least 10,000 tons of rice to Singapore,” he said.

The two ministers also discussed expanding cooperation in agricultural technology and increasing trade in other commodities, including palm oil.

Amran said Indonesia is prepared to support Singapore's food security by supplying a wider range of agricultural products.

“Our Singaporean counterparts want stronger cooperation. They need eggs, chicken, rice, coconuts, and other commodities, and Indonesia is ready to help meet those needs,” he said.

Grace welcomed Indonesia's proposal, noting the country's significant progress in boosting agricultural productivity through mechanization, improved seed varieties, and technology adoption.

“Singapore imports most of the food we consume,” she said. “Indonesia is a very close neighbor, both geographically and historically. The potential for greater food imports from Indonesia presents a promising area for cooperation.”

She added, however, that any decision to import rice from Indonesia would require further discussions with Singapore's private-sector importers.

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