KARACHI, July 8: Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) has urged the government to abolish the minimum price restriction on all rice exports and quality review system on IRRI-6 rice.

The REAP chairman, Abdul Rahim Janoo, in a letter to the commerce minister, said that IRRI-6 is the inferior quality of rice and quality review committee (QRC) places additional burden on exporters. Since the buyers also appoint their own inspection agencies, therefore, there is no need for QRC system.

Similarly, quality review minimum price (QRMP) regime should also be abolished as there is hardly any difference between inter-bank and kerb rates, Janoo observed.

He pointed out that India and Thailand have also allowed export of all types of rice without any restrictions keeping in view the world economic scenario.

He said removal of QRMP and QRC will help rice exporters to increase their exports during 2002-2003 and make up last year’s shortfall of 700,000 tons.—APP