Promotion of exports to Libya & Malta: Pakistani envoy urges setting up of commercial body

Lieutenant General Javed Zia (rted), Ambassador of Pakistan in Libya and Malta, has urged the establishment of a commercial organisation for the promotion of Pakistani exports to Libya and Malta and other surrounding countries. Addressing the rice exporters during a luncheon meeting held in his honour by Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) at REAP House, Karachi here on Tuesday, he said that Libya and Malta could play a very supportive role for the increase in Pakistan's exports, however, there was a need to form a commercial/trade organisation for the promotion of exports to Libya and Malta.
"We believe a commercial organization can play a vital role in the promotion of Pakistani export as due to a unique location, Malta may become the trade hub for Pakistani exporters and they can get access to surrounding European countries," he added. Zia informed that there were many opportunities for Pakistani exporters in Libya and with some efforts Pakistani traders could dominate in these developing markets. He offered rice exporters to set up a Display Centre in Pakistan Embassy in Libya free of cost to promote Pakistani products particularly rice. Whereas, in Malta with a very minimum investment, exporters could increase the exports of Pakistani products, such as cotton, rice, textile, construction and other food items.
"Libya has been declared in war status and Pakistani exporters can take the advantage of the current circumstances by exporting cement and other construction-related items." He also appreciated the steps of the government of Pakistan for the evacuation of Pakistanis in Libya during the war and for providing some Rs 400 million for this purpose. Earlier, Rafique Suleman, Chairman REAP, briefed the ambassador that although there were multiple opportunities in Libya and Malta, Pakistani exporters of rice could not have fully availed them.
"Pakistan exported about 270 metric tons amounting $312,517 rice during last fiscal year (FY14). He further informed that Kenya and China had been emerged as the largest importers of Pakistani Rice, as Kenya has imported 463,441 metric tons amounting to $176.875 million and China has imported 353,675 metric tons amounting to $128.068 million," he said and added that China and Kenya mainly imports Iri-6 from Pakistan.
He hoped that with mutual efforts and appropriate measures Pakistan could export rice to Libya and Malta. On the occasion, Rafique announced that REAP would send a high profile trade delegation of REAP to Libya and Malta to find the new export-oriented opportunities in both countries. Lieutenant General Javed Zia (R) assured of his full support and co-operation in making the delegation fruitful and successful for Pakistani trade. Chela Ram Kewlani, former chairman REAP, Jawed Ali Ghori, Usman Shaikh, Khalid Paracha, Fuwad Garib, Muhammad Amjad, Bashir and others were also present on the occasion.