Pakistan’s Strong Performance in Global Rice Exports
Pakistan has been recognized as one of the lowest-risk countries for food safety standards in the fiscal year 2023-24. The country continues to dominate the global rice export market, holding 25% of the European rice export market, surpassing India, which holds 16%.
REAP Chairman Discusses Rice Export Challenges
The information was shared during a meeting between Malik Faisal Jahangir, the newly elected Chairman of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP), and Commerce Minister Jam Kamal. The discussion focused on maintaining rice exports despite declining international prices and India’s lifting of its rice export ban in October.
Fewer Food Safety Alerts for Pakistani Rice
Jahangir pointed out that Pakistan received only 74 rapid alerts related to pesticides and other food safety issues last year, compared to 264 alerts for Indian rice exporters. This reflects Pakistan’s higher compliance with international food safety regulations.
Pakistan’s Position Compared to Other Countries
Pakistan continues to be one of the lowest-risk countries concerning food safety standards, while other countries like Turkey, India, Spain, Italy, and the UK face significantly higher numbers of food safety alerts.
Concerns Over Negative Campaigns Impacting Exports
Despite Pakistan’s strong food safety record, Jahangir expressed concerns about a negative campaign that could harm the country’s export reputation. However, he noted that Pakistani rice exporters face fewer regulatory challenges compared to competitors.
Government Measures to Enhance Competitiveness
To enhance competitiveness with India, the commerce ministry has removed the minimum export price. However, Pakistan may face challenges in matching last year’s export value due to lower prices.
Commerce Minister Calls for Collaboration to Boost Exports
Commerce Minister Kamal emphasized the need for measures to boost rice exports and ensure compliance with European food safety standards. He highlighted the importance of government and exporter collaboration to maintain Pakistan’s competitive edge in international markets.
Rice Exports Vital for Pakistan’s Economy
Minister Kamal noted that rice is the second-largest export commodity in Pakistan after cotton. He emphasized that rice exporters play a crucial role in generating revenue and employment. The government aims to increase rice exports from $4 billion to $6-7 billion in the near future by improving food safety standards, particularly for the European market.
Diplomatic Developments Strengthening Trade Relations
The minister also referenced recent diplomatic developments, including the visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, which could further strengthen trade relations.
