Achieving $4 billion rice export target: president for focus on non-traditional markets

President Mamnoon Hussain on Tuesday said the apprehension of current trends, use of the latest technology and keeping in view market demands, were the prerequisite to realise the true potential of trade. He was addressing the seventh Export Trophy function of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (Reap) here.
The President said Pakistani exporters should fully exploit the international market opportunities as per their true potential and besides the traditional markets in Europe and the US, they should also focus on countries of Far East and Central Asia.
He was confident that if serious efforts were made and those markets were focussed, Pakistan could achieve the rice export target of four billion dollar per annum.
Stressing the need of enhanced research and development, the President called for establishing more institutions of research and development for the guidance of people in different fields.
He noted that the work on research and development had already been started, adding, there should be concerted efforts to make it more effective.
The President said there should be an effective coordination and communication mechanism from the level of growers to exporters.
It would not only help strengthen this industry but would also bring improvement in every segment of this sector, he added.
He noted with concern that no new rice variety was cultivated in the country during the last one and a half decade, adding, "If we focus on our fertile and best rice producing lands and our scientists make serious efforts, we can bring about a revolution in the area of rice cultivation and exports."
The President said Pakistan-China Economic Corridor would amplify the importance of this region, adding, it would help transform Pakistan into a hub of regional trade activities.
He also mentioned the challenges and hurdles in the way of country's progress and prosperity and said besides the masses, the traders and entrepreneurs would also have to play their due role in overcoming such challenges.