A delegation of Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) on Wednesday met with Prime Minister's Advisor on Commerce, Industries and Production and Investment, Abdul Razak Dawood and presented issues facing rice exporters.

Chairman REAP, Shah Jahan Malik who led the delegation told Business Recorder that the Association's delegation went to the Ministry of Commerce for follow-up of issues which came under discussion during the last four or five meetings.

The Association argues that rice exporters should be facilitated more as compared to other sectors, as rice is exported without any subsidy.

Shah Jahan Malik said that rice exporters faced issues with the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) - a Department of Ministry of National Food Security and Research, adding that sometimes the Department did not have sufficient staff due to which inspection of rice was undertaken on roads.

REAP has also requested the officials of Commerce Ministry to arrange its meeting with the DPP so that inspection issues are resolved.

He further stated that the delegation also shared its presentation to be given to Prime Minister Imran Khan on rice exports and issues, in the next three or four weeks. He said REAP was also taking a delegation to Saudi Arabia which also came under discussion with the Ministry of Commerce. REAP delegation will hold meetings with Saudi buyers.

In reply to another question, he said, the delegation also sought viewpoint of the Ministry and other relevant organisations on barter trade deal with Iran. Pakistan is trying to reach a barter trade deal with Iran since long due to US sanctions but no solution has been found so far as State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) claims that commercial banks do not agree to any suggestion fearing sanctions from US.

Answering another question, he said, Abdul Razak Dawood was a big fan of REAP as rice exporters do not ask for subsidy.

Shah Jahan Malik claimed rice quota for China had increased from 150,000MT to 200,000MT for 2019-20.