Under the motto "Rice – White Gold", the Government adopted a new rice policy in 2010 based on an ambitious five-year plan aimed at expanding the production and export of rice. As a result of the 'Everything but Arms' initiative, exports of milled rice to the EU have been exempt from import duties and quotas since 2009. This preferential measure, together with the removal of licence requirements for milled rice exporters, and a doubling of the Rural Development Bank capital, has helped increase exports. Given the country's recent success in achieving surplus rice production, including for export, the Government is intent on expanding its production and export capacity and becoming a major export nation.