Global Rice News

Omani Government Imports 60% of Rice from Pakistan

In an effort to strengthen trade relations between Pakistan and Oman, the Consul General of the Sultanate of Oman, Eng Sami Abdullah Al Khanjari, praised the quality of rice imported from Pakistan, stating that the Omani government currently imports 60% of its rice from Pakistan due to its superior quality compared to other countries. Al Khanjari made these remarks during a visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) by an Omani delegation.

During the meeting, Al Khanjari expressed Oman’s interest in increasing the percentage of rice imports from Pakistan even further. He also urged the business community in Karachi to explore the possibility of exporting agricultural products such as onions, potatoes, lentils, and mangoes to Oman, especially since Oman is currently facing a shortage of onions.

Al Khanjari emphasized that Oman has been importing rice from Pakistan since 1982 and highly appreciates the country for its commitment to providing high-quality rice. However, he noted that Oman would like to see more Pakistani products, including other agricultural products, sugar, textiles, and towels, being exported to Oman.

The consul general also commended the KCCI for hosting Omani officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources and expressed Oman’s eagerness to collaborate with the business community in various sectors of the economy to enhance bilateral trade.

The Omani delegation engaged in meetings with the governor of Sindh, the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP), and visited Port Qasim, two laboratories, and various companies to explore opportunities for cooperation.

Al Khanjari advised Karachi’s business community to bring forth any obstacles hindering smooth trade with Oman to ensure their resolution. He also emphasized the importance of regularly organizing expos in both countries to facilitate better understanding and explore possibilities for expanding trade.

Additionally, officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources in Oman extended an invitation to the Pakistani business community to visit their country to explore opportunities not only for expanding trade but also for taking advantage of the facilities provided for exporting to African countries.

KCCI President Iftikhar Ahmed Sheikh warmly welcomed the Omani consul general and emphasized the strong bond between Pakistan and Oman, citing common cultural practices, religious beliefs, brotherhood, and extensive social interactions. Sheikh highlighted that Pakistan’s exports to Oman amounted to approximately $166 million in the first nine months of FY24, and last year, Pakistan exported goods worth $193 million to Oman. However, he stressed the need to enhance trade volume to a reasonable level through the reduction of trade barriers, diversification of product range, simplification of customs procedures, promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and fostering business collaboration.

Original Source: [The News](https://www.thenews.com.pk)