UAE CG, REAP deleg discuss rice trade expansion

A delegation from the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) held an important meeting with UAE Consul General, Dr. Bakheet Ateeq Al-Remaithi, at the UAE Consulate on Wednesday. The primary objective was to enhance rice exports from Pakistan and expand business opportunities in the UAE.

The REAP delegation, led by Chairman Malik Faisal Jahangir, included Senior Vice Chairman Muhammad Javed Jilani and other prominent members such as Moheeb Moulvi, Muhammad Khurram,

Mahesh Kumar, and Shiraz Ahmed Sheikh. During the meeting, REAP Chairman shared that Pakistan’s rice exports crossed the historical $5 billion mark in 2024, with the UAE emerging as a key market. Discussions also focused on plans to improve packaging and meet the local market’s specific requirements. Additionally, REAP highlighted the importance of food safety measures and mutual cooperation in this area.

Dr. Bakheet Ateeq Al-Remaithi invited REAP to invest in the Khalifa Industrial Zone (KIZAD) and offered support from the consulate for portal registration. He also assured the delegation that meetings with the Abu Dhabi Ports Authority and Port Qasim Authority would be arranged to address logistical challenges faced at Karachi Port. Moreover, REAP expressed its interest in participating in the Gulfood Exhibition, scheduled for February 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Center.

The UAE Consul General assured them of full support and highlighted that the exhibition, with over 190 participating countries, presents an excellent opportunity to showcase Pakistan’s diverse rice varieties globally. This meeting is set to play a pivotal role in enhancing rice trade between Pakistan and the UAE, further strengthening the commercial ties between the two nations.