ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain held a high-level meeting with members of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) to address key challenges facing the rice export sector.
The ministers assured exporters of the government’s full support in resolving their concerns to ensure uninterrupted growth and operations in the industry.
Jam Kamal Khan lauded the resilience of Pakistani rice exporters in maintaining their market position despite India’s recent lifting of export restrictions and price controls. He described the rice export sector as a “booming industry” and a cornerstone of Pakistan’s export economy.
Rana Tanveer Hussain reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing regulatory and compliance hurdles impeding exports. He assured that immediate steps would be taken to resolve these issues.
Jam Kamal Khan announced that all pending export orders would be fulfilled by January 15, alongside interim measures to facilitate trade while long-term policies are finalized. He also emphasized the opening of new markets, such as Bangladesh, which further highlights the sector’s potential for growth.
The REAP Chairman noted that rice remains a leading contributor to Pakistan’s exports, particularly in the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK), where it has outperformed competitors, including India. He highlighted Pakistani rice’s competitive edge due to fewer pesticide-related issues but raised concerns over a recent compliance challenge. He urged the government to provide swift support to address it effectively.
Exporters called for strengthening the Department of Plant Protection (DPP), which operates with only 62 officers, and advocated for more inspectors at ports outside Karachi, particularly in Punjab. They also requested faster clearance processes for container shipments.
In response, Jam Kamal Khan assured REAP members of the government’s dedication to resolving their concerns. “Your committee can propose necessary amendments, and we will ensure their implementation,” he stated. He stressed the government’s commitment to fostering the sector’s growth.
With Pakistani rice breaking India’s market share in the EU and emerging as a global leader, both the government and REAP members pledged collaborative efforts to bolster the sector’s performance through targeted interventions and long-term strategies.
