Jam Kamal Calls for Boosting Rice Exports, Meeting EU Food Safety Standards
ISLAMABAD, Oct 7: Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, has highlighted the importance of increasing Pakistan’s rice exports while ensuring compliance with European food safety standards. During a recent meeting with representatives from the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP), Kamal emphasized that Pakistan currently holds a 25% share of the European rice export market, compared to India’s 16%, and it is crucial to maintain this competitive edge through collaboration between the government and exporters.
Rice exports are a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economy, ranking second in export value after cotton. As a major source of revenue and employment, the government aims to boost rice exports from the current $4 billion to $6-7 billion in the near future. “We are focusing on improving our standards to meet international food safety requirements, especially in Europe,” stated Jam Kamal.
In recent diplomatic developments, discussions have taken place with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim about expanding rice and meat exports to Malaysia. A Pakistani business delegation, led by Jam Kamal, is scheduled to visit Malaysia in November to explore new opportunities and strengthen trade relations.
The Chairman of REAP, Malik Faisal Jahangir, noted that Pakistan’s rice exports face fewer regulatory challenges compared to other competitors, with last year witnessing only 74 Rapid Alerts for pesticides, as opposed to 264 for India. This positions Pakistan as one of the lowest-risk countries in terms of food safety standards. However, Jahangir expressed concern over potential threats to Pakistan’s export reputation due to negative campaigns that could harm the country’s image in international markets.
Jam Kamal underscored the need to educate farmers on improving rice production quality and reducing alert triggers. He pointed out that Balochistan, despite its smaller rice production volume, cultivates some of the best organic rice in Pakistan, offering opportunities to further enhance quality and export potential.
Calling for a joint effort by all stakeholders, Jam Kamal proposed the development of a five-year strategy to enhance Pakistan’s rice export capacity and ensure stringent compliance with international standards. His focus remains on fostering cooperative initiatives that can drive progress and innovation within the sector.
To achieve the government’s ambitious export targets within the next year, Jam Kamal urged REAP to propose actionable suggestions. He placed significant importance on addressing food safety concerns, particularly in the European Union, where standards are becoming more demanding. Ensuring compliance and exceeding these standards could provide Pakistan with an even greater share of the European market while safeguarding the nation’s export reputation.
In conclusion, the collaborative efforts between the government and the rice export industry are seen as essential for sustaining and enhancing Pakistan’s economic growth. By focusing on improving product quality, meeting stringent international standards, and exploring new markets, Pakistan aims to solidify its position as a leading rice exporter on the global stage.
