Sri Lankan CG visits REAP, bolsters rice trade ties

On Tuesday, Jagat Abeywarna, Consul General of Sri Lanka, visited the REAP (Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan) House along with his team, following an invitation from Chela Ram Kewlani, Chairman REAP, and Abdul Rahim Janoo, Ex-Chairman REAP.

The luncheon meeting was attended by notable figures including MC Member Asif Ali Shaikh, Salman Paracha, Muzzammil Rauf, Dr. Muhammad Hafeez, Ex-Chairman Rafique Suleman, Ex-MC Member Kazim Khandwala, Jawed Jilani, Abdul Rasheed Janmohammad, Sheeraz Ahmed Shaikh, Mahesh Raja Manglani, Faisal Masood Choudhary, Faisal Anis, and a large number of leading rice exporters.

Chela Ram Kewlani highlighted Pakistan’s strong and cooperative relationships with rice-buying countries, emphasizing Pakistan’s reputation as a reliable and trustworthy rice supplier. He contrasted this with India, which occasionally imposes export restrictions, noting that Pakistan has consistently maintained its rice exports to trading partners.

Kewlani expressed optimism that Pakistani rice exports will achieve historic levels during the fiscal year 2023-24. He also underscored the friendly relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, built on mutual respect and cooperation.

Abdul Rahim Janoo shared his pleasure in celebrating the Silver Jubilee of REAP, marking 25 years of the association’s consistent struggle, dedication, and excellence since its establishment in 1999. He congratulated REAP members on this milestone and requested the Consul General to advocate for a rice quota under the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) for 2024 from the Sri Lankan Ministry of Commerce.

Consul General Jagat Abeywarna expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and assured that mutual efforts would be made to identify and resolve issues to benefit rice exporters from Pakistan to Sri Lanka. He promised to involve Sri Lankan government authorities to address and resolve these issues.

The meeting concluded with Chairman REAP Chela Ram Kewlani and Former Chairman Abdul Rahim Janoo presenting the Consul General of Sri Lanka with a REAP shield and souvenirs, symbolizing the strong and cooperative ties between the two nations in the rice trade sector.