BEIJING, July 8: China has shown willingness to import long-grain Pakistani rice to further enhance bilateral trade, particularly in food items. In this connection, a four-member Chinese experts team left here for Islamabad on Thursday.

During a week-long stay in Pakistan, the experts would examine the rice-processing facilities and pest-free control system. "We are confident that the experts will have a positive assessment of Pakistan's potential to export quality rice," said Commercial Counsellor Shahid Mahmood.

"We hope the Chinese government will issue the quarantine certificate by the end of this year permitting the import of Pakistani rice, after completing necessary formalities," he said while talking to APP.

Shahid said: "We are negotiating with the Chinese department concerned to ensure that Pakistani rice should be made available in the local market early next year." The Pakistani long-grain rice can have a big market in China, since its quality is much better than the rice that is currently being imported from Thailand.

"We are looking good prospects especially for basmati rice," the official said, adding some Chinese companies have already shown interest to buy Pakistani rice. With the improvement of living standard in China, there is a growing trend to eat imported and good quality rice.

China has purchased about 300,000 tons of Thai rice last year. The Chinese government announced last month that the import of rice will increase, due to the decline in its production in the past four years.

The country's rice reserve has also dropped dramatically. According to the sources, China would encourage the import of rice and grain in the coming years, while cutting down on export subsidies to local producers. -APP