October 6, 2002	Sunday	Rajab 28, 1423

KARACHI, Oct 5: The Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) has raised objection over the formation of the proposed rice board which they feel would be an overlapping over the functions of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP).

It feels that rice export trade is already suffering on account of double pre-shipment inspection and the quality management by the proposed rice board will result in third inspection.

The small and medium-sized rice exporters are in majority because out of 1,000 rice exporters, 900 belong to the SME group and they should have adequate representation in the proposed board if it is constituted.

UNISAME convener Zulfikar Thaver forewarned the REAP members that after the coming national elections and induction of political government there would be a possibility that the board’s activities are politicized as had been the case with defunct Rice Export Corporation of Pakistan (RECP).

He said the rice board is expected to incur an expenditure of Rs2.5 to Rs3 million per month and the same will be drawn from the Export Development Fund contributed by rice exporters whereas REAP can manage the same portfolio on self help basis and most of the members are prepared to give honorary service for the promotion of rice export.