Pakistan’s Rice Exporters Association: Boosting the Country’s Rice Exports
Published on: October 18, 2023.
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The Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) has been a vital player in the rice industry since its establishment in 1988-89. With support from the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock, and Planning Division of the Government of Pakistan, REAP has played a pivotal role in setting rice standards in the country. The collaboration between REAP and the Pakistan Standards Institution resulted in the establishment of Pakistan Rice Standards in 1992.
Today, REAP boasts a membership of 1900 in the region, making it the second largest business organization in Pakistan. Initially, membership in REAP was voluntary for rice exporters, but in 1998-99, it became mandatory for all exporters. This move ensured that all rice exporters in Pakistan were held to the same high standards set by REAP.
The Managing Committee of REAP is divided into two zones, with 11 members representing the Northern region and 12 members representing the Southern region. This structure ensures that the interests and needs of rice exporters from all parts of the country are represented and addressed.
Over the years, REAP has made significant contributions to the rice industry in Pakistan. In 1992, REAP hosted a gathering of government buyers from countries in the Persian Gulf region, including Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. This event led to the export of 36,000 tonnes of rice from the private sector. Some notable accomplishments include negotiating a reduction in import duty for super and/or kernel basmati brown rice with the European Commission, resulting in increased exports to Europe.
The liberalization of rice export policies in Pakistan allowed members of REAP to achieve remarkable growth in the industry. In 1998-99, REAP members exported a modest amount valued at 300 million dollars. However, by 2009-10, this figure had grown to more than 4 million tons of rice worth over 2 billion dollars. This growth in rice exports was unprecedented in Pakistan’s history and a testament to the hard work and dedication of REAP members.
In addition to its role in promoting rice exports, REAP also organizes seminars and training workshops to educate farmers, millers, and traders about the latest techniques and challenges in the industry. These events help stakeholders stay up to date with industry trends and find solutions to common problems, such as pest control in rice crops.
In recent years, Pakistan’s rice exports have continued to thrive. In fiscal year 2012, the country exported over 3.7 million tonnes of rice, with basmati rice priced at an average of $871 per tonne and non-basmati rice at $448 per tonne. Pakistan’s rice reach now extends to 109 countries worldwide, highlighting the global demand for high-quality Pakistani rice.
REAP has been led by a distinguished list of individuals who have contributed to the success of the organization and the rice industry in Pakistan. These leaders include Javed Islam Agha, Shahzad Ali Malik, Abdul Rahim Janu, Pir Syed Nazim Hussain Shah, Abdul Majeed, Abdul Aziz Manya, Muhammad Azhar Akhtar, Malik Muhammad Jahangir, Irfan Ahmed Sheikh, Javed Ali Ghori, and Masood Iqbal.
In conclusion, the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) has been instrumental in propelling the rice industry forward in terms of quality standards, exports, and market reach. With its strong membership base and commitment to continuous improvement, REAP continues to play a vital role in the success of rice exporters in Pakistan.
Source: [Source](https://simple.wikipedia.org)
