SIALKOT, Feb 14: Rice exports declined by 53 per cent in rice exports during Jan 2008 to Jan 2009 causing heavy losses to the exporters.

This was stated by Chairman Rice Exporters Association Pakistan (Reap) Abdul Rahim Janoo while addressing a meeting of rice exporters held here under the auspices of Reap Sialkot.

Reap vice-chairman Mian Haroon Rasheed, member Reap Khawaja Aamir Anees and rice exporters attended the meeting.

Mr Janoo expressed grave concern over this major decline in rice exports and urged the federal government to take rice exporters into confidence and make some effective long-term policies for enhancing rice exports, and help rice exporters out of the existing financial crisis.