Pakistan, Philippines deepen engagement on rice exports

January 23, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan and the Philippines are set to deepen bilateral trade cooperation, with a renewed focus on expanding Pakistan’s rice exports to the Philippine market.

The initiative reflects Pakistan’s broader strategy to identify priority export destinations for agricultural commodities and leverage surplus production amid evolving global market conditions.

In this regard, Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan held a meeting with Dr. Emmanuel R. Fernandez, Ambassador of the Philippines to Pakistan, on the special directions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to a press release issued.

The meeting focused on enhancing rice trade cooperation, including increased procurement of Pakistani rice by the Philippines.

During the discussions, the commerce minister conveyed the Prime Minister’s keen interest in expanding rice exports and formally requested the Philippine side to consider additional procurement from Pakistan.

He highlighted that Pakistan is currently enjoying strong agricultural output, with sufficient surplus rice stocks available for export while maintaining consistent quality standards.

Jam Kamal Khan noted that the re-entry of major suppliers into the global market has intensified price competition.

To remain competitive, he said the Government of Pakistan has developed mechanisms to ensure benchmark pricing, including financial bridging where necessary, to offer competitive prices while guaranteeing quality and quantity.

He emphasized that closer price alignment could significantly enhance bilateral rice trade through institutional collaboration.

The Minister further informed that, on the Prime Minister’s instructions, the Philippines has been identified as a key partner country for enhanced rice exports.

He stressed that timely coordination would be crucial, particularly in view of upcoming rice procurement tenders in the Philippines.

Ambassador Dr. Emmanuel R. Fernandez welcomed Pakistan’s proactive engagement, terming it a positive step toward strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations.

He acknowledged Pakistan’s longstanding position among the top three rice suppliers to the Philippines and expressed confidence in Pakistan’s potential to further increase its market share.

He also noted that the upcoming session of the Pakistan-Philippines Joint Economic Commission (JEC), expected in February, would prioritize rice trade.

Both sides reviewed progress on a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce and the Philippine Ministry of Agriculture, aimed at government-to-government rice procurement over a multi-year period.

Technical teams are in close coordination, and a Pakistani delegation is scheduled to visit the Philippines to expedite finalization of the MoU ahead of forthcoming tenders.

The meeting also covered tariff-related matters and cost competitiveness to facilitate larger export volumes.

The Pakistani side underscored that early conclusion of the MoU would help manage surplus stocks and ensure uninterrupted supply to the Philippine market.

In addition to rice, the commerce minister highlighted Pakistan’s interest in expanding kinnow (mandarin) exports to the Philippines and requested that related tariff issues be addressed through appropriate forums, including the JEC.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued coordination through diplomatic and commercial channels to translate discussions into tangible outcomes, highlighting the shared goal of strengthening Pakistan-Philippines trade ties in key agricultural sectors.

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