Pakistan : Rice exporters flag policy bottlenecks
Pakistan’s rice sector has urged urgent government action to resolve policy delays, export bottlenecks, and compliance issues affecting global competitiveness. Stakeholders highlighted liquidity constraints, weak R&D, and quality concerns, calling for reforms to boost productivity, streamline trade, and strengthen exports, with the government assuring prompt support for the sector.
LAHORE: Stakeholders in the rice sector have called for urgent government intervention to address policy and operational challenges hindering export growth, warning that delays and inefficiencies are eroding the country’s competitiveness in global markets.
The concerns were raised before Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain who assured industry representatives that the issues would be addressed on a priority basis and that support for export-oriented sectors would continue.
The demands were presented by representatives of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), along with leading rice exporters and businessmen, who stressed the need for a coordinated approach to sustain growth and improve trade performance.
LCCI Executive Committee Member Waqas Aslam said the issues were discussed during a luncheon meeting attended by key stakeholders from across the rice value chain to deliberate on challenges facing the sector.
Participants voiced concern over persistent delays in the disbursement of Duty Drawback of Taxes and Levies (DLTL), stating that the backlog is affecting exporters’ liquidity and operational efficiency. They also reviewed export mechanisms to Iran and Far East markets, calling for the removal of procedural bottlenecks and improved trade facilitation.
The meeting highlighted gaps in research and development, with participants emphasising the need for innovation, improved seed varieties and the adoption of modern agricultural practices to enhance productivity and quality.
Concerns over pesticide residue compliance were also discussed, with stakeholders urging strict adherence to international standards to safeguard export markets. Participants further called for better regulation of the paddy and rice trade to curb hoarding and artificial price manipulation, which they said undermine the country’s credibility in global markets.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Rana Tanveer Hussain said the issues raised by the industry would be addressed promptly, adding that efforts were underway to introduce business-friendly policies and strengthen agricultural exports.The LCCI reiterated its resolve to continue bridging the gap between policymakers and the business community to promote sustainable economic growth and boost exports.
To Read more about Rice News continue reading Agriinsite.com
Source : International the News
