KARACHI, Jan 31: President Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Riaz Ahmed Tata has suggested to rice exporters to adopt modern and aggressive marketing techniques to enhance rice exports.

Talking to a 15-member delegation from Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP), headed by its Chairman Hanif Janoo at Federation House here on Thursday, the FPCCI President asked rice exporters to develop proper research and development section in their association to asses proper demand of rice and like and dislike of the people of different areas.

The REAP members congratulated Riaz Ahmed Tata on assuming the office of President of the apex body and assured to extend full cooperation in the endeavours to promote trade within the country in general and exports of rice in particular.

Tata also suggested to the rice exporters to divert their energies to regain the lost market of Saudi Arabia where the share of rice in total exports was 54pc earlier but now it is reduced to 11pc due to their liking of par boiled rice.

He said that latest equipment for developing par boiled rice should be imported by the rice exporters and work for finding the required demand of different areas of the world.

He asked the rice exporters to utilize the broken and rejected rice for preparation of cluff or starch, which can be another exportable item from Pakistan.

Tata asked the exporters to maintain minimum export price for rice also.

Tata said that since Pakistan is known in the world for good quality rice, “we are duty bound to uphold this title in the best interest of our nation and endeavour not only to maintain the quality of rice but also for development new qualities and brands & packaging to meet the requirements of buyers in the world.

To questions Janoo said that government should hand over the Rice Research Institute to REAP for development of new varieties to meet the requirements of untapped markets in South Africa and other areas.

He said that working of commercial diplomats should be made more effective as they are the one who represent the exporters from Pakistan and Food/Biryani festivals should be arranged to promote the taste of Pakistani Rice in their country of posting.—APP