Qatar expresses interest in increasing rice imports from Pakistan
Pakistan and Qatar have agreed to strengthen economic cooperation by expanding rice trade to support Qatar’s food security strategy. During a virtual meeting, both countries discussed boosting rice imports from Pakistan and enhancing collaboration between their private sectors to increase agricultural trade amid growing regional supply concerns.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Qatar have agreed to strengthen economic cooperation, with a particular focus on enhancing food security through increased rice trade, according to official statements released on Thursday.
During a virtual meeting, Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal and Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs, Dr Ahmad bin Mohammed Al Sayed, discussed a range of economic issues, with rice exports emerging as a central topic. The meeting was aimed at exploring new avenues for bilateral trade and investment.
According to an official announcement, Dr Ahmad highlighted the significance of rice in Qatar’s national food strategy and food security programme. He stated that Qatar is interested in boosting rice imports from Pakistan as part of its efforts to ensure stable food supplies amid ongoing regional challenges. Dr Ahmad said, “Rice remains an important component of Qatar’s national food strategy and food security programme,” and expressed a clear interest in increasing imports from Pakistan.
Both ministers agreed on the importance of strengthening engagement between the business communities of Pakistan and Qatar to facilitate greater trade flows. Dr Ahmad emphasised the need for enhanced collaboration between private sector stakeholders in both countries to support the expansion of trade, particularly in the agriculture and food sectors.
The discussions also covered broader economic ties, with both sides expressing commitment to deepening their partnership in various sectors. The move to increase rice imports is seen as a step towards reinforcing Qatar’s food security while providing new opportunities for Pakistani exporters.
The meeting comes at a time when regional conflicts have heightened concerns over food supply chains, prompting countries like Qatar to diversify and secure their food sources. The officials underscored the mutual benefits of closer economic cooperation, particularly in the context of global uncertainties affecting trade and food security.
Further details regarding the implementation of the proposed increase in rice imports were not disclosed in the official statements.
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Source : Pakistan Today
