KARACHI
Abdul Rahim Janoo, Sr. Vice President of The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) has urged the Federal Commerce Minister, Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan, to thwart the Indian move to get its Basmati Rice registered and protected in global trade.
Taking note on an article published in a newspaper, The FPCCI Sr. Vice President in his letter has warned the Commerce Ministry, “This is a high time for the Ministry to pre-empt the Indian move because in case if India succeeds, Pakistan will not be able to export its Basmati Rice in the name, style and title of Basmati”.
Rahim Janoo further added that it would have a far reaching negative impact on Pakistan’s economy as rice holds an extremely important position in national economy. He elaborated that Pakistan had earned $2.1 billion foreign exchange through exports of rice in the year 2014 which is the second highest export item from Pakistan after textiles. “Pakistan is the world’s fourth largest producer of rice after China, India and Indonesia and millions of farmers rely on rice cultivation as a major source of employment”, he informed.
Rahim, therefore, underscored the need for taking necessary measures to safeguard the interest of indigenous Basmati Rice farmers and exporters in general and national economy in particular in the said matter.