Steps taken by the current PTI government to increase the country’s exports have started yielding results as Russia has increased the volume of rice imports from Pakistan.
The Russian Ministry of Commerce, in collaboration with the Plant Production Department, will monitor more rice mills via a video link.
Along with an increase in exports of fruits, including mangoes and oranges, Pakistani businesses are now allowed to export 150,000 tons of rice to Russia. The previous total of 34 rice export outlets of Pakistan in the Russian market have also now been increased to 53.
Similarly, several countries including Russia, China, Japan and Australia have lifted the import ban from Pakistan and issuing online confirmation certificates to the Pakistani exporters.
It is to be noted that Russia had banned the import of Pakistani rice in 2018. The ban was lifted after efforts were made by the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of National Food Security and the trade wing of Pakistan’s embassy in Moscow.
Breakthrough in Rice Exports! We are glad to share that Russia has allowed import of Pakistan’s rice from 11 June 2021. Initially 4 firms have been allowed & more will be allowed after virtual inspection by Russian Authorities which would be coordinated by DPP.
— Abdul Razak Dawood (@razak_dawood) June 11, 2021
The department had also given Russia with all necessary technical information, as well as assurances on Pakistan’s Plant Quarantine system and pest surveillance and management programme in rice-growing areas and facilities.
