The recent rapid progress in transferring foreign genes for expression in rice is evaluated. There is an apparent need for an international database and for information exchange about transgenic rice plants between molecular biologists, plant breeders, company researchers and government regulators. Progress in rice genome mapping will enhance further the development, evaluation and monitoring of transgenic rice plants. The special conditions of rice-growing nations and transport of released genes over international borders need attention when developing and deploying new transgenic rice varieties in Asia and elsewhere.