Basmati Rice exports from Pakistan during this fiscal year (July 2012 to 28th November 2012) has reached 160,000 M/Tons amounting to US $152 Million, whereas Non-Basmati rice exports during July to October 2012 have crossed US $188 Million. This statement was given by Jawed Ali Ghori, Chairman Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP).
He apprised that Pakistani rice exporters are in a tough competition with India and Myanmar (Burma) who have increased their exports and due to some other problems, rice exports from Pakistan are towards a decline of 49 percent in Basmati rice and 7 percent in Non Basmati rice as compared to the same period in last year.
Ghori informed that rice exports to Philippines have already been commenced and he is hopeful that this year it will be increased. As with the efforts of Ministry of Commerce, Government of Pakistan and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), a high profile delegation of Philippines will visit Pakistan in December 2012 and as per the Geneva Protocol signed between Pakistan and Philippines, the agenda of 250,000 M/Tons rice import into Philippines will be discussed and finalised.
He emphasised the importance of this delegation that as per WTO protocol, Pakistani rice export to Philippines will get a good unit price and share of Pakistani rice in Philippines markets will be increased and we will also be able to tap some new markets for Pakistani rice and earn a handsome amount of valuable foreign exchange for our beloved country Pakistan.
Ghori further informed that this year we have a bumper crop of rice with a 20 percent increase and we are hopeful to have a total crop of rice approx. 6.5 Million Ton and we are targeting to export more than 4.0 Million Ton of rice during this fiscal year.-PR
