Key Points
- Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan emphasised price competitiveness and institutional engagement to boost trade volumes
- Both countries are coordinating on a draft MoU for government-to-government rice procurement over multiple years.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is intensifying its rice export marketing strategy, seeking to expand shipments to the Philippines following a meeting between Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and Philippine Ambassador Dr Emmanuel R. Fernandez, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan.
The talks focused on identifying priority markets, enhancing trade volumes, and strengthening bilateral economic ties.
Pakistan is the world’s fifth-largest rice exporter, with annual exports averaging around 4–5 million tonnes, primarily to markets in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The country produces both basmati and non-basmati rice varieties, known for high quality and consistent standards.
In recent years, Pakistan has pursued an aggressive rice export strategy, targeting key markets, providing competitive pricing, and offering financial support to facilitate trade. This has helped the country maintain its position among the top suppliers globally.
The Minister highlighted Pakistan’s strong agricultural output and mentioned surplus rice stocks ready for export. He noted that global market competition has increased with the re-entry of major suppliers and has outlined government mechanisms to ensure benchmark price competitiveness, including financial support where needed, to maintain Pakistan’s rice attractiveness.
Both sides discussed a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under negotiation between Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce and the Philippines’ Ministry of Agriculture for government-to-government rice procurement over multiple years. Technical teams are coordinating to finalise the MoU ahead of the upcoming procurement tenders.
The Philippine ambassador welcomed Pakistan’s proactive outreach, acknowledging the country’s longstanding position among the top three rice suppliers and its potential to increase market share. The upcoming session of the Pakistan–Philippines Joint Economic Commission (JEC) is expected to prioritise rice trade discussions, according to the APP.
The meeting also touched on tariff and cost competitiveness issues to facilitate higher rice export volumes. Pakistan’s government views the timely finalisation of the MoU as a key tool to manage surplus stocks and ensure consistent supply.
In addition to rice, Pakistan expressed interest in increasing exports of kinnow (mandarin oranges) to the Philippines.
