ISLAMABAD: Pak­istan has urged Indonesia to finalise a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for rice exports on a government-to-government (G2G) basis at the earliest.

The issue was among those discussed during a meeting between Commerce Minister Jam Kamal and Ambassador of Indonesia to Pakistan Chandra Warsenanto Sukotjo on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has tasked the commerce minister with exploring opportunities for rice and kinnow exports to Indonesia.

An official announcement said the rice MoU, originally signed in 2015, provided for up to one million tonnes of rice procurement annually on a G2G basis. However, the MoU expired in 2019. Pakistan has shared a revised draft with the Indonesian side and expressed hope for its early finalisation to institutionalise long-term cooperation in the staple commodity.

During the meeting, the minister briefed the ambassador on Pakistan’s evolving trade strategy, focusing particularly on rice exports, which the prime minister has identified as a key priority.

He noted that Pakistan remains among the world’s leading rice exporters, offering internationally recognised quality, while acknowledging that global price competition — especially following recent market interventions by major producers — has created challenges for exporters.

Pakistan is keen on re-engaging selected partner countries, including Indo­nesia, through both open-market and G2G frameworks, said Mr Kamal, stressing that price, reliability, and quality are central considerations for importing countries.

Published in Dawn, January 21st, 2026