KARACHI, Sept 9: The Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) plans to organize country’s first International Rice Conference in collaboration of EPB in December or early next year.

This proposal will be put forward by REAP chairman Abdul Rahim Janoo before President Pervez Musharraf in the Federal Export Board meeting being held on Sept 24, 2002.

The association would also seek permission for establishing Rice Export Processing Zone between Karachi and Hyderabad on 400 acres, to be acquired from the government of Sindh.

The rice exporters’ body is working on a plan to organize international road shows, food festivals in major rice buying countries to develop new markets as well as to increase quantum of existing buyers.

Janoo will also request the President to allot a seat for REAP representative on the Board of Trustees of Karachi Port Trust as this will help REAP to look after problems related to port.