REAP to send Trade Delegation to Saudi Arabia

Mr. Rafique Suleman, Senior Vice Chairman, Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) had a meeting with Mr. Inamullah Khan, Secretary, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) at TDAP Head Office Karachi. Mr. Rafeo Bashir Shah, Director General, TDAP and Mr. Altaf Hussain Shaikh, Secretary REAP were also present during the meeting.

Rafique Suleman expressed with pleasure that we are seeing positive growth in rice exports, however, there are several measure to be taken for the betterment of the 2nd largest export trade. He shared the suggestions with TDAP Officials. He said that since long time we don’t have any good rice seed that is why many companies are importing hybrid seeds of rice. He emphasized for proper check and balance on importation of hybrid seeds, as it has been observed that some companies are importing low quality rice seeds which are not good for our agricultural environment. After visit of REAP Delegation to Philippines in 2015, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) has sent new GSR-1 & GSR-2 rice seeds, further NIBGE Faisalabad has introduced New Basmati Rice Seed BR-1 which is also useful in low quantity of water. REAP has distributed these Rice Seeds among Farmers for experimental sowing of rice and these seeds are in multiplication stage.

He also requested to give some relief to rice exporters are they are making huge investments for value addition in rice and struggling hard to compete in international markets, particularly for the survival of Basmati rice exports. He suggested to give farmers latest rice equipments, such as Dryers etc. on easy installments, so that we may get good quality rice for export purpose. He also suggested to organize Awareness Programme by TDAP for Farmers for adopting latest techniques in rice farming.

He added that REAP is planning to send a high profile trade delegation to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the month of March for the forceful marketing and promotion of Pakistani rice and to increase market share of Pakistani rice in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is very good market particularly for Basmati rice and they import approx. $ 1 Billion worth of rice every year. Pakistan had a good share in Saudi markets, however, since last few years Pakistani rice exports facing decline.

Pakistan had exported 172,000 M/Tons of Rice amounting US$123.86 Million in 2010-11, whereas in last fiscal year 2016-17 we have exported only 70,000 M/Tons amounting US$47 Million. Therefore, REAP has decided to send a trade delegation on priority basis. He was very hopeful that there is tremendous scope for the export of Pakistani Basmati rice to Saudi Arabia, because of its supreme quality, unique aroma and taste. We are also sending letters to TDAP and Pakistan Mission in Riyadh and Jeddah for arranging meetings of REAP Delegation with Chamber Officials and Leading Rice Buyers.