Pakistan and Turkey Agree to Boost Rice Trade with Export Promotions

Pakistan and Turkey have agreed to expand bilateral rice trade by improving pricing competitiveness, increasing export volumes, and strengthening business-to-business linkages, as part of wider efforts to deepen economic cooperation between the two countries.

The understanding was reached during a meeting between Federal Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and the Turkish ambassador, where both sides reviewed existing trade arrangements and discussed ways to enhance rice exports. In a statement, the Ministry of Commerce said the initiative is being pursued on the instructions of the prime minister as part of a broader push to promote agricultural exports.

Officials noted that Pakistan has recorded one of its strongest rice harvests in recent years, creating a substantial exportable surplus for international markets. Pakistan assured Turkey of a consistent supply of both basmati and non-basmati rice at competitive prices while emphasising that export growth would be pursued without adversely affecting farmers’ returns.

The talks also covered a proposal to increase the rice export quota by 18,000 metric tonnes under the Pakistan–Turkey Free Trade Agreement. Both sides discussed the possibility of zero or reduced tariffs on basmati rice to further encourage trade flows. Pakistan said various government-to-government options for expanding rice trade are under consideration.

Reaffirming their shared objective of raising overall bilateral trade to $5 billion, officials from both countries identified agriculture as a key growth sector. The two sides also agreed to expand business delegations and strengthen B2B engagement to support trade expansion.

According to the Ministry of Commerce, technical delegations from Pakistan and Turkey are expected to meet in the coming weeks to advance discussions and finalise practical steps for boosting rice exports.