REAP Delegation Meets UAE Consul General to Boost Pakistan’s Rice Exports

Chairman Jahangir emphasized that rice has

become a crucial crop for Pakistan, achieving

a historic $5 billion export mark in 2024

Staff Reporter

Karachi: A team from the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) recently met with UAE Consul General Dr. Bakheet Ateeq Al-Remaithi. The goal was to explore ways to increase rice exports to the UAE.

Delegation Members and Meeting Goals

REAP Chairman Malik Faisal Jahangir led the delegation. Other members included Senior Vice Chairman Muhammad Javed Jilani, Muhaib Maulvi, Muhammad Khurram, Mahesh Kumar, Shiraz Ahmed Sheikh, Muhammad Shahid Memon Altaf, Hussain Sheikh (Secretary), and Arif Ali Khan (Assistant Secretary). The meeting focused on growing rice exports and creating new business opportunities in the UAE.

Pakistan’s Rice Export Growth

Chairman Jahangir noted that rice exports from Pakistan have reached a record $5 billion in 2024. Since REAP was founded in 2010, exports have grown consistently. The UAE has become a major market for Pakistani rice. REAP suggested setting up storage facilities in the UAE to keep up with demand. Both sides also discussed food safety standards, agreeing to work closely together on this.

Investment Opportunities in KIZAD

Dr. Bakheet encouraged Pakistani investors to explore the Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD). He urged the delegation to connect with the consulate team to make registration easier. The delegation also raised concerns about ongoing logistics issues at Karachi Port. In response, Dr. Bakheet promised to organize a meeting with the AD Ports Authority and Port Qasim Authority.

Plans for Gulf Food Exhibition 2025

The delegation shared its plans to attend the Gulf Food Exhibition at the Dubai World Trade Center from February 18-20, 2025. Dr. Bakheet assured his full support for this. He emphasized that the event would allow Pakistan to showcase its rice varieties to a global audience.

Building Stronger Trade Relations

This meeting marks a positive step toward strengthening rice trade between Pakistan and the UAE. It also aims to deepen economic ties between the two countries.