South Korea’s agriculture minister on Monday hinted at liberalizing the country’s rice market, saying there is a general consensus that delaying the market opening will not be in the country’s best interest.

“The government has been intensifying its communication with farmers while reviewing various issues with experts and related ministries to decide whether to open the country’s rice market,” Lee Dong-phil, minister of agriculture, food and rural affairs, said in a report to the parliamentary agriculture committee.

“As a result, (the government) has confirmed that there exists a consensus that a further expansion of the country’s mandatory rice import quota is not desirable for the country’s rice industry,” he said.

The minister’s remarks came as the government is expected to soon announce its final stance on opening the rice market. (Yonhap)