Rice Exporters Association Pakistan (REAP) has sought the federal government's help for successful holding of award ceremony to be held in Dubai UAE, next month.

REAP Chairman Chaudhry Samiullah Naeem told the media here Sunday that ten gold trophies would be awarded to international buyers of Pakistani rice on February 20, adding that a successful function would help promote soft image of Pakistan. Thirty Pakistani rice exporters would also receive awards to recognize their services, he asserted.

The REAP Chairman mentioned that this year, Pakistan's rice production might touch the figure of seven million tons out which four million tons was expected to be exported that would bring

US$ 2.3 billion of foreign exchange to the country. He added that rice exporters were playing important role in country's economic development, therefore, federal government should direct Pakistani missions in UAE and other relevant institutions to extend help for the programme. He said Dubai would also host Gulf Food Festival on February 18 to be attended by people from across the world.

The REAP award ceremony coincided with the food festival that would be a good opportunity for Pakistani exporters to market their products effectively.