Pakistan to ship 300,000 metric tons of rice to Sri Lanka

Pakistan to provide 300,000 metric tons of rice to Sri Lanka to overcome the shortfall in the country following drought which hit the country.

A high level Sri Lankan delegation led by Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Sri Lanka, Mr. Chinthaka S. Lokuhetti called on Secretary Commerce, Pakistan Mr. Mohammad Younus Dhaga to discuss the possibility of procurement of 300,000 MT rice from Pakistan to meet the domestic shortfall because of drought in Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan side is looking to procure rice on government to government basis.

The meeting was also attended by Chairman Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP), Mr. Mushtaq Ahmed Sheikh.
Secretary Commerce informed that considering it is the end of season, Pakistan will initially provide at least 25,000 MT rice to Sri Lanka on urgent basis. For the remaining quantities the trading arms of two countries i.e. Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) and Cooperative Wholesale Establishment (CWE) in Sri Lanka will discuss procurement schedule and price in September/October on the advent of new crop.

Both sides also discussed about signing a Memorandum of Understanding between TCP and CWE, Sri Lanka counterpart in Sri Lanka for supply of other commodities as well such as sugar.