Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) Senior Vice Chairman Shahjahan Malik has urged the Consul General of Iran in Lahore for further strengthening the close liaison between the Association and the Consulate for increasing the volume of rice export from Pakistan to Iran.
In a statement issued here Wednesday, Shahjahan termed Iran as one of the emerging market for Pakistani Basmati rice. He said that trade ties between Iran and Pakistan are increasing at a significant pace. "Iranians consume a lot of rice where average per capital consumption of rice is 46 kilograms per annum. They are very fond of Pakistani Super Basmati Rice because of its taste, aroma, length and cooking ability and there is a need to make efforts for capturing this opportunity," he added.
He appreciated that trade sections of both the countries are facilitating the businessmen by granting visas on same day. He called for continuing this practice as issuance of visa to businessmen in time could help them arrange to meet and sign business contracts without delay.
Shahjahan especially appreciated the role of the Iranian Consulate General at Lahore in facilitating Pakistani businessmen and issuing visa on same day. He said that the Pakistani Embassy in Iran is also reciprocating Iranian businessmen in the same coin.
Senior Vice Chairman REAP hoped that the support from the diplomatic sector of Iran and Pakistan would continue in future too so as relations between REAP and Iranian importers could be further strengthened. It will also help in enhancing the Basmati rice export, which is need of the hour, he concluded.