KARACHI: Group Chairman, Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) Abdul Rahim Janoo said that things are not good for rice as exports are going down the hill, and this year presents serious challenges for rice exporters, many of whom are operating at a loss, barely able to cover overheads.
Exchanging views at a meeting during the visit of REAP delegation to KCCI on Tuesday, Abdul Rahim Janoo warned that current trends are worrying, as exports are now declining, and the sector is facing multiple challenges including burdensome taxes and policy uncertainty.
Former Chairman Senate of Pakistan Mohammad Mian Soomro, Chairman Businessmen Group Zubair Motiwala, President KCCI Muhammad Rehan Hanif, Senior Vice President Muhammad Raza, Senior Vice President REAP Jawed Jilani, Former Chairman REAP Abdul Qayyum Paracha, Former President Junaid Esmail Makda, KCCI Executive Committee Members were present.
Janoo recalled that when he assumed charge as Chairman REAP, Pakistan’s rice exports stood at roughly USD 300 million. Under REAP’s active promotion, including trade delegations, global outreach and marketing efforts such as the Biryani Festival, exports had surged, reaching nearly USD 4 billion but, unfortunately, these were descending this year.
He expressed concern that many rice exporters who run parallel businesses in real estate, stock market, or earning on deposits are increasingly subjected to more taxes, further eroding investor confidence and hurting rice-export activities.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
