January 16, 2007	Tuesday	Zilhaj 25, 1427

KARACHI, Jan 15: Pakistan has resumed rice exports to Kenya after reaching an understanding with the country, which stopped cargoes on quality issues, trade officials said on Monday.

“Rice exports to Kenya have started once again after they agreed to accept cargoes on standards set by the Pakistan government,” Abdul Aziz Maniya, chairman, Pakistan Rice Exporters Association, told Reuters.

Pakistani rice exports to Kenya were suspended in December after trade authorities in Kenya blocked shipments over quality issues.

Kenya's Bureau of Standards blocked cargoes of Irri-6 variety of rice on the amounts of under-milled grain and paddy in cargoes. They said the Irri-6 variety did not meet their set specifications and standards.

Local traders disputed the Kenyan objection saying the under-milled grain and paddy met standards laid down by Pakistan and were within globally acceptable limits.—Reuters