Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) has urged the Ministry of Commerce to extend the service tenure of Commercial Counselor deputed at High Commission of Pakistan, in Kenya. Chairman REAP Chaudary Muhammad Shafique in a letter sent to Federal Commerce Minister Engr Khurram Dastgir Khan has made a request for extending the service tenure of Amir Mohyuddin, Commercial Counsellor at High Commission of Pakistan, in Nairobi, Kenya for his commendable performance, enhancing Pakistani exports, particularly rice export.
The Chairman REAP said that Amir is one of the most competent persons committed to his mission for increasing trade between Pakistan and Kenya plus other East African countries. "However, we have come to know that the Ministry of Commerce has transferred Amir Mohyuddin and asked him to report to Islamabad by 30th June 2016," he maintained.
Kenya is a very important market for Pakistani rice as $188,326,419 rice was exported in the fiscal year of 2015, he said. "Amir has several achievements on his credit particularly for rice sector during his tenure as Commercial Counselor which is also beneficial for our beloved country as well," he observed.
Rice exports to Kenya and surrounding countries, which were $209 million in 2013, has been increased to $332 million during his tenure. Amir had made untiring efforts for release of more than 1500 stuck up rice containers at Kenyan ports. In addition, Rs 250 million demurrages on Pakistani rice exporters had been waived off due to his co-ordination and close follow up with top Kenyan authorities.
He also played a vital role for cost neutral conversions of Grade III, diamond mark certificate converted into Grade I certificate, besides waiving off 15 percent. "In this regard, we humbly request your good self to kindly look into the matter personally and instruct the officials concerned of Ministry of Commerce to extend the service tenure of Amir Mohyuddin for the interest of the country, rice growers and exporters," he added. Noman Ahmed Shaikh, Senior Vice Chairman, has also made the same request to the Ministry of Commerce.