TDAP holds webinar highlighting issues faced by exporters of rice to Kenya

KARACHI: Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) in collaboration with High Commission of Pakistan in Kenya organised a webinar on issues being faced by exporters of rice to Kenya.

Leading exporters of rice to Kenya attended the webinar from all over Pakistan.

Kenya is the third largest export market of Pakistan after China and UAE, however, our exports have declined from US$229.4 Million in 2017 to US$188 million in 2019.

The objective of the webinar was to discuss issues exporters are facing in exports of rice to Kenya with our High Commission at Kenya so that they will take up the same with Kenyan authorities for its resolution.

During the webinar Convener of REAP committee on Rice informed that there is a substantial decrease in exports of rice from Pakistan to Kenya due to the increase in the imports of rice by Kenya from Tanzania at zero duty as both the countries are member of East Africa Community club. Pakistani exporters are facing tough competition as the tariff rate on Pakistan’s rice is 35 percent or US$200 per metric tonne (whichever is higher) due to which our rice become expensive. He requested our High Commissioner to take up this matter with Kenyan Government. Our Trade and Investment Counsellor at Nairobi stated that during the peak Covid-19 period, Kenyan market was flooded with rice from the neighbouring countries due to which the import of rice was Pakistan was on declining trend between May-August, the same has improved in September and we are expecting increase in the upcoming months after resuming of flight for international tourist to Kenya. He assured the exporters that they will take up the issue of high tariff rate with Kenyan authorities during the upcoming JTC meeting as well as all other forums.—PR

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020