ISLAMABAD
\nPakistan can strengthen agricultural and food cooperation with China to maximize its export contribution. These collaborations can focus on niche products, partner on climate-resilient crops and drought-resistant technology, agritourism, private sector collaboration, which will deepen ties, diversify exports, and ensure long-term food security for both nations.
\nThis was stated by Rafique Suleman, Convener FPCCI Rice Export Committee 2022-2023 and Ex Chairman, Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan. In an exclusive interview with Gwadar Pro recently, Rafique Suleman pointed out that China and Pakistan boast of strong cooperation in agriculture and food, focusing on technology transfer, joint ventures, market access, knowledge sharing, which has helped strengthen Pakistan\u2019s agricultural and food capacity and expand its exports.
\nThe agriculture and food exports in Pakistan jumped by 64 per cent during the first half of the current fiscal year 2023-24 (FY24). The official data showed the country\u2019s total agriculture and food exports reached $3.847 billion during July-December 2023 against $2.345bn in the same period last year, an increase of $1.502bn in absolute terms.
\nVisibly, the country is relying more on agri-food to achieve higher growth in overall exports. It also helped reduce the trade deficit by 34.3pc to $11.14bn in the first half. The country exported rice worth $1.64bn during the first half of FY24 against $841m in the same period last year, an increase of 96pc.
\nThe rice exports may surpass the $3bn mark during the current fiscal year.
\nCommenting on the surge in Pakistan\u2019s food exports including rice , Rafique Suleman lauded the outstanding performance of rice exports in the first half of this year, making it one of the top earners of the country.
\nHe explained that long grain basmati and non-basmati rice of Pakistan is highly preferred by rice buying countries. Further, the prices in Pakistan are cost effective compared to other competitors.
\nHe added that by ensuing long-term soil health and resource management, investing in quality, technology, and marketing to stay ahead, Pakistan can maximize its potential, achieve sustainable export growth and solidify its position as a major rice exporter.
\nPakistan\u2019s rice and other agricultural exports to China are also promising, as China is a major food importer and offers great opportunity for diversified exports beyond rice, noted him. He pointed out several agricultural and food products hold promising export potential for Pakistan besides rice.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ISLAMABAD Pakistan can strengthen agricultural and food cooperation with China to maximize its export contribution. These collaborations can focus on niche products, partner on climate-resilient crops and drought-resistant technology, agritourism, private sector collaboration, which will deepen ties, diversify exports, and ensure long-term food security for both nations. This was stated by Rafique Suleman, Convener FPCCI […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-381094","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-business"},"yoast_head":"\n