Pakistan’s Rice Exports Face Alarming Decline, Industry Leaders Urge Government Intervention

KARACHI: Abdul Rahim Janoo, the Group Chairman of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP), expressed grave concern over the declining state of rice exports in a meeting with the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Tuesday. He highlighted the severe challenges faced by rice exporters, many of whom struggle to cover operational costs due to increasing overheads and policy uncertainties.

During the discussion, Janoo noted that Pakistan’s rice exports, which had once thrived under REAP’s initiatives, were now declining rapidly. He emphasized the need for regular consultations between KCCI and REAP to address the pressing issues in the sector and called for collaborative efforts to revive the industry.

Zubair Motiwala, Chairman of the Businessmen Group, echoed Janoo’s concerns. He underscored the significant role of rice in Pakistan’s economy, citing the alarming drop in exports from $4 billion to $2.6 billion. Motiwala urged the government to take immediate action to reverse this downward trend, pointing out that the current decline is unsustainable for the nation’s economic health.

Motiwala further criticized the government’s focus on stock market performance and foreign exchange reserves, arguing that these metrics have not translated into increased exports. He called for a shift towards value addition in the rice sector, drawing comparisons with countries like Thailand, which benefit from producing a variety of rice-based products.

The discussion also highlighted the financial struggles faced by industries due to high input costs, particularly gas tariffs, which hinder essential modernization efforts. Motiwala stressed the need for urgent collective action to stabilize the industrial sector and enhance the country’s export capabilities.

President KCCI Muhammad Rehan Hanif reaffirmed KCCI’s support for REAP and acknowledged the recent decline in rice exports. He expressed hope for effective collaboration to resolve the sector’s challenges and bolster the industry’s global standing.