Pakistan Investors Forum Hosts Luncheon to Boost Rice Exports in Jeddah

Jeddah (From Noor-ul-Hassan Gujar): The Pakistan Investors Forum hosted a prestigious luncheon in honor of the delegation from the Pakistan Rice Exporters Association, attended by key figures including Saadia Khan, the Commercial Counselor of the Pakistan Consulate in Jeddah, who served as the chief guest. The event brought together members of the forum, distinguished personalities, and various stakeholders from the rice export sector.

In his address, Shafqat Mahmood, President of the Pakistan Investors Forum, highlighted the significant potential of markets such as China, the UAE, Afghanistan, Kenya, and Saudi Arabia for Pakistan’s rice exports. He pointed out the dominance of Indian rice in Saudi Arabia, with a market share of 78%, while Pakistani rice only accounts for 7.8%. Mahmood stressed the need for a strong strategy to increase the share of Pakistani Basmati rice in the Saudi market and other key regions, ultimately boosting foreign exchange earnings through expanded exports of rice and other commodities.

Malik Faisal Jahangir, head of the Rice Exporters Association delegation, shared the successes and challenges faced by Pakistani rice exporters. He proudly announced that Pakistan’s rice exports had reached a record $3.89 billion, driven by favorable weather, the availability of raw materials, and India’s ban on non-Basmati rice exports. Jahangir emphasized the importance of investing in seed research and adopting better agricultural practices to further enhance exports.

Fazal Memon, a prominent rice importer in Saudi Arabia, acknowledged the growing demand for Pakistani rice but stressed the need for better facilities and streamlined processes for exporters to maximize opportunities in the Saudi market.

Chief Guest Saadia Khan assured attendees that the consulate would continue to provide full support to Pakistani traders, helping strengthen economic ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. She emphasized that such events play a crucial role in fostering closer economic relations and increasing Pakistan’s exports.

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The event concluded with an appreciation for the efforts of the Pakistan Investors Forum and a shared commitment to further enhancing trade relations between the two countries. The gathering included several notable figures, including Chaudhry Azhar Warraich, Chaudhry Akram Gujar, Fida Hussain Khokhar, Ansar Mughal, Raja Muhammad Bashir, Mustafa Gujar, Mumtaz Kallu, Chaudhry Zaheer Ahmed, Raja Riaz, and many others.