KARACHI - Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) Chairman Mahmood Moulvi has emphasized on increasing bilateral trade with the United States, especially in agriculture sector.
“Pakistan exports good quality rice to the US and still there is a good potential to increase market share there,” he said in his speech to welcome United States’ Consul General in Karachi Grace W Shelton at a lunch hosted by REAP’s Patron-in-Chief Abdul Rahim Janoo.
The REAP chairman also suggested to send a high profile delegation to the US for aggressive marketing of Pakistan rice there. He requested the US consul general to extend cooperation from his Consulate to make this visit productive.
At this reception, former Senate chairman and former prime minister Mohammad Mian Soomro, Consul General of Indonesia Hadi Santoso, deputy high commissioner of United Kingdom, vice consul of Malaysia in Karachi as well as a large number of REAP members and Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) were present.
The REAP patron-in-chief apprised the participants that Pakistan and the US were enjoying close relationship since the country’s independence on 14th August, 1947. The US was one of the largest bilateral trading partners of Pakistan. USA has provided Pakistan with economic aid through loans and debt relief and was a major supplier of military equipment.
The USA’s civilian assistance to Pakistan facilitated cooperation and helped bring a stable, democratic, and prosperous Pakistan and the region; which was in the interest of both the countries.
This aid focused on energy, economic growth including agriculture, community stabilisation of underdeveloped areas, education and health. He also proposed to hold a ‘Biryani’ festival in the US by REAP members, which would be instrumental to increase the rice exports to the US.
The US consul general appreciated the proposal of Rahim for holding ‘Biryani’ festival and assured to extend full cooperation. She thanked him for organising a wonderful gathering in her honour and said the US would continue to extend their support for the betterment of trade.
