Rice Exporters delegation to visit Mauritius

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: Senior Chairman, Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) Rafique Suleman on Monday said a delegation of REAP will visit Mauritius next month to further explore the market of Pakistani rice in that country.

Addressing a function today in Karachi, he said that Pakistan has the best quality Basmati and Non Basmati rice of the world. He said Pakistani rice is very much liked by the people of rice buying countries and rice is the staple diet in Mauritius. He said State Trading Corporation (STC), has issued tender for 6000 Metric Tons of Basmati rice to import from Pakistan.

He said that this quantity must be increased, as Pakistan has the capacity to cater more quantity of rice. He also highlighted the growth of rice export trade in this fiscal year and informed that this fiscal year 29% growth was observed and he was hopeful that Pakistan will achieve the target of US$. 2.0 Billion. The function was organized in honour of Rashid Soobadar, High Commissioner of Mauritius which was hosted by Senior Vice Chairman REAP Rafique Suleman.

Sohail Yasin Suleman, Honarary Consult General of Mauritus was also present on this occasion. During the meeting Irfan Shaikh, Ex Chairman REAP, Chela Ram, Haji Abdul Rauf Chappal, Abdul Qayyum Paracha, Anis Majeed, Ashfaq Ghafar, Fuad Garib and other leading rice exporters were also present. Addressing function Rafique Suleman appreciated the work done by Abdul Rahim Janoo, Ex Chairman REAP for the enhancement of rice export trade. He also informed that working is in final stage on the new seeds of Pakistani basmati rice which are sustainable in very less amount of water and give more yield.

High Commissioner of Mauritius Rashid Soobadar, while addressing on this occasion said that rice is the staple diet of people of Mauritius.

He said Mauritius is a peaceful country and open economy for the all countries and believes in the rule of law as a business can only grow with the proper implementation of law. He said, “We are facilitating, guiding and helping the business community to work in Mauritius.” He expressed his full support for the upcoming REAP delegation to Mauritius. He also approved the request to increase the quota for tender and assured to review it with the consultation of officials of his country.